9 replies to this topic

[skoughi]

I'm in the middle of getting my saxo seats fixed into the clubman and while trying to get things lined up as best as possible I noticed just how out of line the steering column is, and the pedals for that matter. The column could always be moved at the steering wheel end towards the drivers door to line it up better with the seat but I feel this will put strain on the steering rack leading to premature wear. So I was wondering if anyone has fitted a couple of universal joints to the column to try and line it up better or fitted a column from another car that already has U.Js engineered into it? Or do you just put up with it because it's a mini?!!

Edited by skoughi, 18 June 2012 - 08:38 PM.

[tiger99]

No, you do NOT put up with a misaligned column because it is a Mini, unless you want to kill someone, possibly yourself. If the column is not aligned exactly to the rack, spline failure, which causes total steering failure, is inevitable, and sooner than you might think. You may know that the rack U bolts must always be loosened before connecting the column to the rack, but it is also vital to check the sideways alignment, and if necessary loosen and refix the column mounting bracket.

The other sudden killer on the Mini is of course over-tight balljoints, which will fracture.

I believe that people have fitted double universal jointed columns, and of course this potentially removes the risk of incorrect column alignment, but you need to find two strong mounts, not just one, for the upper column, without creating a situation where the steering wheel will do the wrong thing in an accident, and embed itself in your chest.

There are issues of the non constant-velocity joints in the column spoiling the steering feel, so you need to ensure that they are aligned with the yokes vertical and horizontal, not at some odd angle, when the rack is centred, so the non-linearity is certralised about the normal position. That only involves the angle at which you set the shaft before engaging the splines, and fitting the wheel. Not a big problem.

I think it is worth getting a suitable column from a scrappy, and playing about to see how it will fit. If you can get it how you want (possibly angled more like a conventional car, not a bus), you can design the brackets accordingly, but look at how it was mounted in the car you take it from for some ideas.

[skoughi]

Cheers for that! I had a look on ebay last night and got a huge list of lower steering columns to look at. The one that fits a mk4 bora looked good as it has an outer sleave on the higher of the two shafts with what looked like a mounting point already on it. This upper sleave may be able to be joined to the sleave of a shortened mini column. The column on my mini if lined up square to the splined shaft out of the rack will end up right on the left hand side of the seat, and the seat is as far as into the middle as possible. Do you feel it would be ok to put a single U.J. between the splined shaft and column to take out any strain on the rack thus safely able to move the steering wheel to the middle of the seat? Even though the wheel won't be square onto the drivers seat!

[tiger99]

You may be able to use a single UJ, and it will relieve the risk of bending load at the splined joint, as long as the UJ is right at the rack, not on an extension. In that case, a single upper mount may be sufficient, but do give it a lot of testing, by pushing as hard as you can in every direction, to see that it is stable.

You also have the problem of getting the correct splines at the bottom end. I don't know how many different types there are. Jack Knight, the same who make 5 speed gearboxes etc, can supply various steering couplings, at a price, as can some of the companies which supply the kit car market.

[skoughi]

I think i'm going to do a bit more investigating on this one. I'll take a measurement on the dia. of the shaft coming out the rack and count the splines then do some asking about. I'm hoping a U.J. direct onto the rack will be firm enough but if not then a simple bracket from the bulkhead to the outer sleave of the column will be enough to hold it. The column is so far out that I feel I have to do something about it, and if this can work then it could be a simple mod. The only drawback will be a steering wheel thats not square onto the seat but I think that will be a lot less noticeable that an offset one. I've also looked at the pedals and maybe once I get the front sub built back up and some wheels on I may see if I can modify the inner wheel arch where the throttle pedal is and try and create some more space then bend the pedals towards the right hand side. Thanks for the replies bytheway!

[sledgehammer]

The fiesta mk3 has the same splines as the mini at the bottom , and a hex shaft in between

however , upper clamp is close to brake pedal arm

http://www.ebay.co.u...984.m1497.l2649

£8.99 to your door - a good place to start

the pedal plates could be moved to the right & re welded, for a better look

I'm looking at chequer plate pedals , for better grip on my work boots as pedal rubbers keep falling off

got to see if they would be IVA compliant without rubbers on them

Edited by sledgehammer, 20 June 2012 - 07:17 PM.

[skoughi]

Thanks for that sledgehammer, I think i'll probably try one of these and see what I can rigg up. I 'm thinking that a second clamp/bracket on the lower part of the column sleave will be required but after replacing roughly 75% of the bodyshell then that won't be too much of a problem!! I need to get the steering wheel in a better position than where it will be if I leave it as is. Have you tried something similar on a mini sledgehammer? Also when I do a dry build and get the rebuilt front sub on with wheels and tyres then I might try and see if the inner wheel arch can be changed and move the pedals over anyway

[sledgehammer]

I'm just starting to fit a golf mk4 steering column at the moment

but don't like the feeling of it at the moment

but it's early days yet

[skoughi]

Is this the same one thats from a Bora? I noticed a pic of it on ebay, it seamed to have an outer sleave on the top section of it with what looked like part of a mounting bracket attached to it. Looked like it could be a winner?! When the time comes I think I'll just stick to your suggestion with the Fiesta u.j. With my skills I like to keep things simple! Let me know how you get on, including any foopahs, so I don't have them!!

[sledgehammer]

should be the same as the golf mk4

the main problem is the shaft is fat , compared to the simple mini one , & uj's are bulky

I got to set it up with a seat in place

but only got the old mini seats - which I won't be using

so don't want to set it up with them

will be on hold for a while - loads of welding to do

Edited by sledgehammer, 20 June 2012 - 09:36 PM.