MG Magnette KA Instruction Manual page 100

A d j u s t m e n t I.-Referring t o the illustration
it
w i l l be noted that a series
o f shims are located between the end cap and the face o f the steering box. Remove
one o r more of these shims as required until the end play disappears, care being
taken t o see that when the end cap is securely rebolted, the thrust bearings are
still quite free t o rotate. Care should also be taken t o see that the joint between
the end cap and the box is properly re-made i f o i l leakage is t o be avoided. The
gear should be filled up w i t h o i l t o replace any loss during adjustment.
A d j u s t m e n t 2.-Adjustment for play between the follower and track, although
very seldom required, and not at all until the car has been i n use a considerable
time, is effected by renewal o f the hemispheres, those on one o r both sides o f the
follower being changed according t o the degree o f adjustment required. Remove
cover-plate and drain off sufficient o i l t o expose the cam and its track.
W i t h d r a w the follower from its bearing on the rocker-shaft.
Replace one pair o f hemispheres from one side o f the follower by a new set,
and then insert the follower unit i n t o the cam track i n its mid position, i.e.
approximately midway between the t w o ends o f the cam. This, f o r the moment,
should be done independently o f the rocker-shaft, which should be moved over t o
one side t o leave the centre portion o f the cam track exposed.
Should further adjustment be required, the remaining set o f hemispheres
should be replaced i n like manner.
Correctly adjusted, the follower unit should be a free sliding f i t in t h e centre
portion o f the track t o ensure a free passage o f o i l between the surfaces, but only
a minimum o f sideplay should be permitted. T o o close a
fit
w i l l result in a stiff
steering. This point determined, it now only remains t o replace the follower unit
through the rocker-shaft and into the track. This is most easily done w i t h the
rocker-shaft over i n the extreme lock position, as the track is purposely made slightly
wider at these points. A little care should be exercised here, and the hemispheres
may w i t h advantage be slightly tilted in their seatings t o give a lead-in effect when
entering the track. A slight t o and f r o movement o f the steering wheel in con-
junction w i t h a light pressure on the back o f the follower facilitates this assembly.
W h e n inserting a new set o f hemispheres see that they are quite clean and
free from g r i t before inserting them into the follower. A smear o f thick grease
in the seatings w i l l check any tendency for them t o fall out.
The cover-plate and its shims should next be replaced, taking care t o re-make
the oil joint properly, and the gear filled up w i t h fresh oil.
G e n e r a l Notes.-The shims between the cover-plate and the box should not
be removed. They are intended for initial assembly only. A certain amount of
end play is called for, and is desirable i n the rocker-shaft, and no attempt should
be made t o take up this by removing the shims.
Should the thrust bearings be, for any reason, taken off the shaft, care should
be taken t o replace them the right way round. The right way round is when the
w o r d
"
thrust
"
stamped i n one side o f the inner race o f the bearing is up against
the end o f the cam.
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