Steering Column Alignment - MG MGA Twin Cam Workshop Manual

Fig.J.2 Steering column alignment
J.9 STEERING COLUMN ALIGNMENT
When assembling the steering column or steering gearbox assembly to the car care must be taken to
ensure a free condition at the universal joint before the column or gearbox securing bolts are
tightened. For the universal joint to be completely unloaded the centre line of the steering column and
the centre-line of the steering rack pinion must pass through the centre of the universal joint spider
when the assembly is viewed from above and from the side. Failure to ensure complete freedom at the
universal joint will load the steering pinion upper bearing and cause extreme wear and steering
stiffness.
To enable the assembly to be secured in the correct position the attachment holes in the support
bracket at the lower end of the steering column are slotted to permit up and down and sideways
movement, and packing shims (see Fig. J.3) are fitted between the steering gearbox mounting bosses
and the brackets on the front suspension member
Tighten the universal joint clamp bolts.
With the steering column draught-excluding rubber clamp plate and all column and rack securing bolts
slack, position the universal joint and tighten the support bracket clamp bolts at the lower end of the
column.
Should there be a gap between the gearbox bosses and mounting brackets, remove the bolts, pack
with shims as required, and replace and tighten the securing bolts
To ensure complete alignment again slacken and retighten the steering column lower support bolt.
Tighten the upper support bracket bolt.
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