Steering column bushings

[jbcollier]

The “standard” bushing available now has been failing.  Good original bushings, or bushings from long ago, are probably fine.  If you are buying new bushings, or have recently done so, it would be a good idea to switch to the uprated ones.

[jbcollier]

Another option:

https://www.shapeways.com/product/DT6LGZTNQ/triumph-steering-column-bushings-tr4-tr6-spitfire?optionId=121911858&li=ostatus

[SilverBeast]

The inner spring for the column clamp is this https://www.moss-europe.co.uk/spring-column-clamp-609639.html?assoc=131058

After a brief Google I can't see them for sale anywhere!

There is a link to the post, on the thread about my TCS,  with a diagram of how it goes together here http://www.lotuseuropa.org/LotusForum/index.php?topic=3266.msg33642#msg33642

[BDA]

Thanks SilverBeast!! That does look familiar!! I'll have to see if I can find mine (of course, if I remembered to install it when I built the car, I won't know until I take the steering column down!

[jbcollier]

Yup, them’s pooched:



Ordered in three options: the uprated bushings, the 3D printed, and the needle bearings. I’m going with the uprated bushings (poly and teflon) as they fit perfectly (much better than the originals). Richard’s needle bearings fit nice as well but rely on o-rings. The 3D printed versions require “work” to fit properly.

[EuropaTC]

Gee, those are in a bad way. Is it the photo angle or is the top insert (blackest) worn more on one side ? Thinking slightly bent column ?

There's also a vague niggle in my mind that those nylon inserts don't look like the ones I've had in the past. That could easily be imagination though, so don't put much store by it. I'll look and see if I've got one in my spares cupboard for comparison.

Brian

[jbcollier]

Here's the uprated replacements:



Much nicer.  The uprated versions are mostly teflon with just a thin polyurethane mount. You have to make sure the poly’s nubs line with with the holes in the teflon bushing. I used a press and grease, and compressed the nubs to get them started. Went in easy and had hardly any stiction once installed such that I can spin the shaft with my finger tips alone.

[Kendo]

Funny/scary side story: when these uprated bushings were first mentioned a few weeks ago, I followed a link to Moss Motors to see what they looked like. Since then I have been getting browser ads for them a couple of times a day. At least I won't forget what to buy when I need them :/