Steering column issue

[Tjclare]

I have converted my s2 1970 etype drophead from LHD to RHD and noticed an issue with the steering column.
As the column comes through the bulk head it's very low almost touching the bottom of the the bulk head housing.
Has anyone experienced this issue? Is it something I have missed?
Any help appreciated
Tony

[politeperson]

I did a lhd/rhd conversion and had just the same problem. It is the composite/glass fibre item with a black rubber grommet.

It made squeak when tuning the wheel. I squirted it with WD40. Still squeaks!

Got worse when I removed the upper column spacer washers to improve knee/steering wheel clearance.

You have reminded me, I must fix it. I suppose the mounting holes need moving up so the part moves down a few mm.

[abowie]

Common. Not sure why.
I have this in both my converted LHD car and also in my original RHD one.
You may need to relieve the bottom of the fibreglass cover or the rubber seal. Fortunately you can't see it.

[Tjclare]

Many thanks for your replies it’s reassuring to know that it’s not something I’ve missed and is a common problem.
I am looking at shortening the second steering wheel bracket (around 5mm) to allow the column to raise slightly and possibly alleviate the problem.
I will let you know how I get on

Thanks again Tony

[288gto]

Hi Tony,

I managed to gain some clearance by sanding the base of the fibreglass shroud on a flat surface. Looking at your picture the mounting flange seems quite thick like mine was.


Simon

[paulsco]

I had the same problem.

There are aluminium shims under the column bracket under the bulkhead which I removed to get the required clearance.

The shims were there when in LHD form, but I am not sure they are used or are needed for RHD.

Paul

[johnetype]

IIRC there's a lot of movement available on three of the four steering column UJs splines with only the one at the rack pinion fixed by the bolt. If you can move the lower column downwards and the upper UJ outwards on both splines that should lift the lower column. Also worth checking that your lower column hasn't shortened slightly on its nylon shear bolts.

[Hugo]

That grommet /gaiter thingy is a very tight fit on my column. I reckon it will affect the steering on the road, or at least the self-centring. WD40 doesn't really help - but that evaporates v. quickly anyway. I guess it will wear in eventually?

[Tjclare]

Hi guys
Thanks for all your help I think I’ve managed to solve the problem.
I cut the inner fixing bracket down by 4mm re welted it and when bolted it back to the bulk head the column is just about dead centre.