Upper late S3 steering column modification?

[ysmalkie]

I was wondering about a fairly simple and pretty hidden modification and I was wondering if anyone thinks there might be something wrong with the idea.

Instead of using the Vulkollan or other plastic rings, I could simply use 2 bearings as on the photo:



It does not require much work - machining the steering wheel to 25mm on the lower end (it's 1" at the moment) and 28mm on the upper end (it's about 28.5-30mm at the moment, but mine is damaged.)

An extra sleeve would be needed from the lower end.

What do you think?

Tadek

[abowie]

Should be fine. I machine up Delrin bushes about the same width as your bearings and they work perfectly well.

Can you give us the bearing part numbers?

[ysmalkie]

HK2520
HK2820

5 GBP in total here if you take Timken or Torrington.

Not the highest investment you can make in an e-type....

I just need to machine the parts. 2-3 weeks and I should be able to show results.


Tadek

[ysmalkie]

So, here is the final result:



There are 2 possible drawbacks:
1. I had to machine my steering shaft down to 28mm (originally it's about 30mm, however mine was damaged). The brass contact collar is 28.7mm, meaning that once the bearing is inserted, it cannot be removed without the brass contact sleeve.
I am fitting my bearing onto the outer shaft with Locktite 638, so in order to dismantle the column again, I would have to heat the bearing to 250C.

2. I greased the bearings (lightly) and am hoping the grease will not flow out on a hot summer day
However, these bearings do exist with seals (they have 2RS suffix). So, it could be solved.

Here are the shots of the end bearing in place:



and the front shaft prepared for the bearing:



Tadek