(Another) steering column question

[ian360]

Hi All,

I have been trying to fit the steering column and pedals this weekend, and expected that it wouldn't be a straightforward job given all the previous issues listed here in the forum.

I was right!

For starters bolted in the pedals without touching the spacers, and then bolted the column to the MEV bracket. Straight away I could see an issue as the column pedal fixings were way too short, not a bit but a lot. Here is the picture 

That bracket fixing is 60mm from the clutch pedal assembly. Hands up - I have been bashing the column about removing it and trial fitting to the UJ, and am probably sure that a heavy hammer has collapsed the shaft.

I figured there was no way this was going to work and removed the column and measured the inner spline - the bit that connects the steering wheel at one end and UJ at the other. It is only 550mm long and should be closer to 590mm? If I take the aforementioned heavy hammer to the bracket, the lower part of the column extends, but only to cover the spline of the shaft. Simple question - can the shaft be removed and extended independently to its correct length, or is it just easier to buy a new column that hasn't been abused? 

All advice as usual greatly appreciated.

[ian360]

A difference a day makes?
Lesson learnt - a hammer is not always a solution to a problem! 
Walking away and thinking about a problem will probably solve itself.


I realised the centre spline must also collapse, if it didn't what is the point of the system - there would be a solid spear pointing at your chest in a collision. I couldn't figure out why it had collapsed but on reflection I did try a trial fit with the UJ and using a hammer to 'tap' into place must have done the damage - although surprising it had moved so much without me noticing.

So the solution last night, with wrench, hammer and vice, gently prised out the centre shaft and now have it measuring 589mm from steering wheel point. I reckon there is a few more mm to get out and then hopefully it will fit into place with a lot more sense.

Onwards and upwards.....

[gwnwar]

looking for 593.8mm to 595.8mm

[NJ.]

Lol where does he produce this info from? ALways so useful gwnwar