Gap under Steering Wheel

This was discussed recently. If your setup uses the fat washers they are fitted between the coupler and the steering column. Where did you fit yours?

 

Do you mean under the two metal lugs of the upper column and the coupler? I think you can just see in the pic I've got them there. I've taken them out just to see and the gap at the s/wheel closes up fine. Have I got this wrong zedders?

 

Can’t remember how I did mine, but there may be a pic in Bentley or Haynes. I’m sure it’s your problem. Can’t think of any other reason the inner column would suddenly raise itself up.

 

I forgot to check if the bottom clamp on the box input splines would ease down a bit. It also occurred to me I haven't put the top part of the dash in yet and any movement in that will affect it too. I've left it off and will go back to it.

 

I wouldn’t think the dash top would do anything. On late Bays the main dash panel sets the position of the outer column bracket.

 

I just meant there's always a bit of play where the dash screws to the A pillar so might be able to nick a mm there too.

 

The washers have lifted it. Even if they were meant to go like that, the rest of the column is fitted as though they are not there. There is definitely a dome on the coupler that looks like a big washer would sit nicely on it, preventing an upward pull on the steering wheel from tending to pull the bolts through the coupler. At least on my 1973 variant, the steering column is only held from being pulled up by the coupler and a spring.
Downwards pressure, there is a bearing at the top of the column.



Those washers look exactly like cylinder head stud washers : the world does produce thinner 1mm thick "m8 penny washers " that might actually be the correct part for fitting above and below the coupler , having been substituted by a PO or on their behalf during the long glorious prehistory of your bus.

 

Mebbe. I’d still sort your washer/spacers/pinch bolt out first.

 

Just had a quick fondle under my van. I’ve got plain washers, but thick ones at the of the steering column, so your pic looks correct.

 

There has to be a reason for the fat washers although I'm buggered if I know what it is.

 

Dunno what it is. Maybe they fluffed the design? If I’m in the mood, will try to get a pic of mine (although I did have to shift the column clamp up in the past).

 

You have/had the washers in the correct place. They’re to allow the coupling to flex and mimic the raised casting on the flange on the steering box.

Why did you remove the column to change the coupling?

 

Thank you for explaining it. I had the whole dash etc out for the resto. But as luck would have it, look what just came out!

Luckily no sheer. Normal cheese head m8 bolt going in its place. Just waiting for new coupling bolts to arrive. Hopefully I can slide it all up now and minimise the gap.

 

Best to squint underneath and get a suitable punch on the metal casting, then carefully tap it up the column. Then clamp it (nb requires three hands).

 

That looks like a sheer bolt where the head hasn't sheered!

 

Got it. Thank you for the tip. Just waiting for the coupling bolts. Got lots of other bits to do. It's only when you think you've nearly finished (for MoT) and you do a list ........ shed loads still to do. I bought him 22/7/17 so I'm determined to beat the 3yr anniversary.

 

I've saved it in my special tin.

 

I’ve got one of those - I’m still trying to find where I put it!

 

I used an allen-head bolt for my clamp, and aerolock nuts on the coupler instead of nylocs.

 

I've found an Allen head but was going to use nylocks on the coupling. Any reason why not? I thought you only needed aeros where the nylon would melt?