NEEDED - Steering column - lower UJ

[Peter1963]

Morning all
Series 1 FHC 1963
It seems that SNG Barrett may not be the answer to every prayer unfortunately.
I need a new lower UJ for the steering column - the one that was supplied is wrong and their normally wonderful website doesn't show a separate part number for the lower UJ. The upper UJ is listed separately but is different to the lower unit for some reason. The guys working on my car say they have encountered this before.
So - anyone out there with a new lower steering column UJ or knows where I can get one sharpish - I'd love to hear from you. Willing to travel to pick it up. I'm in Warwickshire.

Thanks
Peter

[neil4444]

Hi Peter,

Probably worth speaking to them as not every part is listed on the website. Failing that give Richard Smith a try.

Regards,

[Heuer]

Speak to Andy Rayner at Hutsons.

[Peter1963]

Thanks Neil.
I'm not familiar with Richard Smith. Still a newbie when it comes to E type ownership!

Peter

[Peter1963]

Thanks again - Andy Rayner - what a nice guy. Knows soooo much. Wish I lived closer to him!
No solution yet - but Andy inspires me to get the original lower steering column refurbished.

[mgcjag]

Try CMC at Bridgenorth...just down the road from SNG....they have a new and used spares dept.. Steve

[Heuer]

Richard Smith might be worth a try as he has lots of original parts: Tel: 01270 780954
rmjsmithltd@gmail.com

The lower u/j has a different part number to the upper but the journals are the same so just buy one of those and repair the yoke you have.



Maybe this one: http://www.jagshop.co.uk/products/jsste ... 5426/?bid=

[abowie]

Assuming that your car has the correct steering column, with the yoke intrinsic to the bottom of the shaft, you need 5426 as per David's picture above. I know these exist and are available because I got 2 from SNGB for my 1963 3.8 coupe last month.
5426

If you are missing the bottom yoke with the spline that attaches to the rack you are in strife as you can't buy that half of the yoke new. Your solution would be to try to source one used or to buy a new double splined shaft C20487.
C20487

If you already have the steering column with splines at both ends C20487 (not correct for 1963 but will work) there is a replacement sealed UJ and yoke C28599 which is used for both ends.
C28599

[Peter1963]

Thanks again for all of your great knowledge and advice.
I have the new lower column (not original) and I believe that the guys who are working on my car have managed to source a suitable sealed UJ - from somewhere in Germany I am told. It should be being fitted today. With the knowledge I now have I think I will refurbish the original and fit it myself.
I just want it to get it through the MOT so I can get it registered....... and then drive it!!
Thank you again for going to the trouble of giving such detailed responses.
Peter

[andrewh]

Morning all
Series 1 FHC 1963
It seems that SNG Barrett may not be the answer to every prayer unfortunately.
I need a new lower UJ for the steering column - the one that was supplied is wrong and their normally wonderful website doesn't show a separate part number for the lower UJ. The upper UJ is listed separately but is different to the lower unit for some reason. The guys working on my car say they have encountered this before.
So - anyone out there with a new lower steering column UJ or knows where I can get one sharpish - I'd love to hear from you. Willing to travel to pick it up. I'm in Warwickshire.

Thanks
Peter

hi Peter. just resurrecting this thread as I have some issues with a replacement lower UJ. It fits the rack but will not tighten on it. What was your issue? Why was your replacement lower UJ incorrect?

[44DHR]

Andrew,
Are you talking about the Lower Steering Column Yoke rather than the Lower Steering Column Universal Joint ?

I would surprised that the Universal Joint is hard to source - I’m sure I have some here as well - but the previous post to this one mentions tightening down bolts, so is it the Yoke that you are actually seeking ?
This subject and additional information to rectify was covered in this previous post :-

viewtopic.php?f=4&t=3990

Cheers,
Dave

[andrewh]

Its 8 whole years since I totally rebuilt my E and its depressing how much one forgets in that time!
I now recall that the lower column yoke is integral to the lower steering column . There is nothing the matter with my uj or yoke. However where the assembly slides onto the rack it is not clamping tight and is able to float on the groove on the rack, held from coming any further by the allen head bolt. I need to go and take another look, but maybe I need to use a socket with a hex drive to apply more torque to the bolt. Not sure I have any hex drive sockets though. umm

[44DHR]

Andrew,
So I guess you have read my post above and the link enclosed which gives possible solutions to your requirement to tighten the lower yoke cap screw to get a good fit onto the steering rack drive splines ?
Are none of these suitable - including the MGA solution shown at post #5 - and Andrew’s solution at post #8 ?

I have also gone back and updated my photos from yet another post on the subject which may give additional details on this issue and tackling it on the car :-

viewtopic.php?f=3&t=10127&p=80320#p80320

Regards,
Dave

[andrewh]

hi Dave

Thanks I did read your post and my lower joint is the same as you describe. I just need to get the clamp to tighten up on the rack pinion. Of course it would be easier to do with a nut and bolt but I assume the clamp will close with the recessed socket bolt. I need to get out to the garage and have a look once more.
Thanks for he response Dave, but not sure I found the solution to my exact issue unless I missed it. Andrew

[44DHR]

Andrew,
Excellent - I hope you get a solution to an issue which appears a common issue on these earlier steering joints which have the recessed socket screw going into a threaded portion of the lower clamping yoke.
It was just that my post had references to how others - the MGA referenced solution, (with it’s own detailed Service Memorandum MG/214 attachment) - and Andrew in Australia had found potential ways to make the bolt tighten up more securely by modifying that troublesome yoke.
Good luck !
Cheers,
Dave

[andrewh]

Ah ok! I had not seen the other references, which I will now look up. thanks again

[Geoff Allam]

FWIW I had this problem with loose splines between the shaft and the steering rack on my 3.8. I tried multiple times to tighten the joint with bolts, grade 8 capscrews etc with no results. Finally I just used blue loctite and tightened it up with a normal torque. I have not had to touch it in the last 20 years. I do expect that if it ever needs removal that heat will be required to soften the loctite.

[andrewh]

thanks Geoff. Were you able to pull back the joint enough to apply the loctite without having to remove the steering column ? I dont find the issue one of nuisance , just know that if you pull the steering wheel it will come back about 10 mm which is rather off-putting

[Geoff Allam]

You are asking a senior citizen to remember something he did 20 years ago so the answer has about a 50:50 chance of being accurate! I believe I unbolted the column from the dash and just let it down onto the seat to pull it back. Some wiring may have needed to be disconnected but I really do not recall accurately. I do remember that it was not a difficult thing to do.

[andrewh]

Thanks Geoff. I am not far behind you !!!