Steering column
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Steering column
Need advice on a couple of steering column related bits and bobs please
I’ve a little too much play in the steering column top bush, I understand a nylon mini bush can be fitted but which type? I’m missing the square self cancelling bolt but can’t find one listed on any of the usual supplier, doesn’t help that I don’t know its correct name
(Yes, I think I know how to install both)
Thanks in advance.
I’ve a little too much play in the steering column top bush, I understand a nylon mini bush can be fitted but which type? I’m missing the square self cancelling bolt but can’t find one listed on any of the usual supplier, doesn’t help that I don’t know its correct name
(Yes, I think I know how to install both)
Thanks in advance.
- svenedin
- Minor Legend
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Re: Steering column
My 1969 car uses felt bushes. There are 2 of them 1 near the top and the other lower down the steering column. If they dry out they shrink and then you have play and rattles. Try "feeding" the bush some light oil, some will trickle down to the lower bush. Best with the carpets out of the way or something wrapped around the steering column to catch any drips of oil and may need repeating,.
This diagram shows the bushes both felt and the nylon alternative.
As to the self cancelling stud or peg or whatever you want to call it, I am not aware that this is available. There should be the stud and a locknut to lock the set position (you can adjust how far the the peg protrudes so that it contacts the self-cancelling cam in the indicator assembly). Try Richard Plant at Minor Parts of Oxford or Bryan Gostling at MMOC Spares. I think the parts book calls it "stud-indicator switch trip" 31G180 and nut FNZ103
Stephen
https://www.moss-europe.co.uk/steering- ... 25--05--01
This diagram shows the bushes both felt and the nylon alternative.
As to the self cancelling stud or peg or whatever you want to call it, I am not aware that this is available. There should be the stud and a locknut to lock the set position (you can adjust how far the the peg protrudes so that it contacts the self-cancelling cam in the indicator assembly). Try Richard Plant at Minor Parts of Oxford or Bryan Gostling at MMOC Spares. I think the parts book calls it "stud-indicator switch trip" 31G180 and nut FNZ103
Stephen
https://www.moss-europe.co.uk/steering- ... 25--05--01
1969 1098cc Convertible “Xavier” which I have owned since 1989.
Stephen
Stephen
Re: Steering column
Thank you. May explain why I’m struggling to find one. Trusty Myford to the rescue perhaps?
- svenedin
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Re: Steering column
I suppose so. Well beyond my ability!
The second hand parts dealers may have one though. Get the nut as well.
Stephen
The second hand parts dealers may have one though. Get the nut as well.
Stephen
1969 1098cc Convertible “Xavier” which I have owned since 1989.
Stephen
Stephen
Re: Steering column
I’ll give both a call tomorrow thanks.
- Bill_qaz
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Re: Steering column
I have just fitted the plastic top bush using the one in link due to excessive play.
I had to remove the outer column to get the old felt bush out, the mini one directly replaces it. I just re-oiled the lower as it didn’t have much play.
I had to remove the outer column to get the old felt bush out, the mini one directly replaces it. I just re-oiled the lower as it didn’t have much play.
Last edited by Bill_qaz on Wed Sep 02, 2026 12:24 pm, edited 2 times in total.
Regards Bill
Re: Steering column
Perfect. Did it just push in from above without any modification? Thanks.Bill_qaz wrote: ↑Wed Sep 02, 2026 1:02 am https://ebay.io/m/xdnm3p
I have just fitted the plastic top bush using the one in link above due to excessive play.
I had to remove the outer column to get the old felt bush out, the mini one directly replaces it. I just re-oiled the lower as it didn’t have much play.
- svenedin
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Re: Steering column
To save yourself work try some oil first. It did the trick on my car. It amazed me that was all it needed.Grumpy21 wrote: ↑Wed Sep 02, 2026 7:57 amPerfect. Did it just push in from above without any modification? Thanks.Bill_qaz wrote: ↑Wed Sep 02, 2026 1:02 am https://ebay.io/m/xdnm3p
I have just fitted the plastic top bush using the one in link above due to excessive play.
I had to remove the outer column to get the old felt bush out, the mini one directly replaces it. I just re-oiled the lower as it didn’t have much play.
Stephen
1969 1098cc Convertible “Xavier” which I have owned since 1989.
Stephen
Stephen
Re: Steering column
Yes I’ll try that first. Thanks. Light oil you say?
- svenedin
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Re: Steering column
Yes 3 in 1 or similar.
Stephen
1969 1098cc Convertible “Xavier” which I have owned since 1989.
Stephen
Stephen
- Bill_qaz
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Re: Steering column
Yes fitting easy,no mods required, but having spent too long trying to remove old felt, its quicker and easier to just remove outer column. You are removing your indicator switch anyway to repair cancel function. See other post viewtopic.php?t=80312Grumpy21 wrote: ↑Wed Sep 02, 2026 7:57 amPerfect. Did it just push in from above without any modification? Thanks.Bill_qaz wrote: ↑Wed Sep 02, 2026 1:02 am https://ebay.io/m/xdnm3p
I have just fitted the plastic top bush using the one in link above due to excessive play.
I had to remove the outer column to get the old felt bush out, the mini one directly replaces it. I just re-oiled the lower as it didn’t have much play.
Regards Bill
Re: Steering column
About 3ml of oil so far and no noticeable change. I’ll keep going for the day and see what happens.
Cheers
Cheers
- Bill_qaz
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Re: Steering column
I tried the oil first with no effect, I think the felt had gone so hard it would no longer absorb oil. This was confirmed when trying to dig it out 
Regards Bill
- geoberni
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Re: Steering column
I guess there is no mention of maintenance for these felt pads as at the time of production, it was never imagined that sufficient decades would pass for them to dry/wear out.... 
Basil the 1955 series II


Re: Steering column
You can extend the life of the felt type by taking them out (they are split so will just pull out) give them a good massage to bulk the fibres up a little, re-oil and replace them wrapped inside out...You should get much reduced play and will get typically a further 50K miles with it.
Taupe
Taupe
- Bill_qaz
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Re: Steering column
taupe wrote: ↑Wed Sep 02, 2026 5:55 pm You can extend the life of the felt type by taking them out (they are split so will just pull out) give them a good massage to bulk the fibres up a little, re-oil and replace them wrapped inside out...You should get much reduced play and will get typically a further 50K miles with it.
Taupe
A screw driver and hammer was only chipping pieces off with column in situ.
Regards Bill
Re: Steering column
Soaked regularly throughout the day with light machine oil. Has made some improvement but I wouldn’t say it’s perfect. I’ll see how it pans out.
Thanks for the tips
Thanks for the tips