I'd noticed the steering wheel was scraping against the column surround and that the "outer column" that holds the indicator/headlight stalks could rotate slightly and also move in and out so I decided to look at that. I also wanted to finish getting the centre horn push to work.
The outer column was moving inside the clamp that holds it to the dashboard with two studs, one of which is a ground point for some of the wiring. After I took it apart I noticed a shaped steel spacer which I assume is supposed to locate in the groove on the inside of the two clamp halves (it's easier to look at the pictures). I assume that the join faces up so that it doesn't pinch the wiring held in the lower half of the clamp. Can anyone tell me if I am correct?
As mine was already tight I have taken the paint off the mating faces so it will hopefully clamp a little tighter. Is the spacer supposed to grip the clamp and column? It is shaped and has high and low points.
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I'm still looking for a definitive answer about the "spacer" and steering column clamp. (Pictures are in the post above on Page 4). The grey metal spacer (in the second picture) just to the right of the white tube I'm propping the steering column with while the clamp is off was round the outer column when I removed the clamp but I didn't notice where. It must have been between the bottom of the section that widens out to accept the stalks and above the mounting plate for the ignition switch. It isn't a complete circle, nor is it round - it waves in and out. The "band" isn't a constant width either it narrows and widens as the diameter increases and decreases. Rubbish description I know, but hopefully you get the idea in conjuction with the picture! For all I know it may just be to hold the rubber bung into the column, shown half under it in the second picture.
I started fastening the column clamp back on with this "spacer" inside it between the "grooves" on the inner face, which is where I assumed it should have been in order to grip the outer column and stop the movement I described. It feels as though the two column clamp halves may have quite a gap if I carry on tightening. I'm reluctant to do this until I'm sure the spacer should be there as I don't want to flatten the bumps round the outside of it only to find out it should be somewhere else later and I can't get a replacement.
Anyone got any idea's? I haven't posted any more photos as it's still inside the partly tightened clamp, and anyone who's removed the clamp with the dash in will understand my reluctance to take the nuts back off the clamp once you've got the clamp back in place and the nuts on!
Thanks,
Richard
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The clamp has a rubber gasket in the 'groove' you mentioned, between the clamp and the column. The is nice and stable when tightened correctly but may feel like there is a slight bit of give. Don't overtighten, the top of the clamp has threaded inserts pressed in, they will pull loose. I've made a new clamp for mine and I'll post a picture later.
