Technical Steering column modification

[grubscrew]

How do you fix your steering column to reduce the flex.

So those of you with a 126 steering rack on a 500 classic,I’ve noticed there is plenty of flex of the sloping bulkhead.
I’ve ordered a 20mm pillow bearing, and made up a sleeve internal diameter of 15mm (o/d20mm ) to slide over column and be captive in the bearing.

The column will need cutting, and the sleeve will rejoin the shaft , and be clamped with 4 opposed grubscrews.
So then the fixing to the bulkhead : The flex is more apparent nearer the top UJ, than the lower UJ.

What sort of reinforcement have you guys done, the top side would cause interference to the fuel tank. I’m thinking inside the cabin would be most appropriate, say using some 5mm ally plate 300mm square +- ?

 

[Bounding Bambino]

When i did my conversion & restoration, i made a custom bearing block, and moved it as high up as i could. With that said, if i had any flex play, i was planning to use a pc of angle aluminum or angle iron and run it 1/2 way across the bulkhead just behind the fuel tank.

So far i havent had to, as it doesnt seem to be an issue yet for me, but is something i eventually plan to do once i wrap up loose ends.

 

[PeachsGarage]

Sorry @grubscrew, late to the party here. I used an SKF SYK 25 TY pillow block bearing - details and pics on this post. I ended I had also cut out a 1/4" backing plate to use on the other side of the bearing block to stiffen it up, but like @Bounding Bambino, I found that wasn't necessary. The lower shaft is fairly constrained by the rack so no need to add support there.

Hope that helps!

 

[grubscrew]

Yep, thanks for the info. It seems a vast number of sellers on flea bay call a self aligning pillow block bearing when it is in fact fixed, because of the difference in angles to the bulkhead. Although the rack had been fitted by the previous chap ( the worst welder ever), at least I’ve got ready access to modifications whilst I’m making things better.
I’ll check out that skf . Thanks.

 

[the hobbler]

Yep, thanks for the info. It seems a vast number of sellers on flea bay call a self aligning pillow block bearing when it is in fact fixed, because of the difference in angles to the bulkhead. Although the rack had been fitted by the previous chap ( the worst welder ever), at least I’ve got ready access to modifications whilst I’m making things better.
I’ll check out that skf . Thanks.

The problem with a lot of the r ck conversions where the rack-mountings are just 2 small, welded-on brackets and that the brackets offer very little actual support to the front bulk-head (and are difficult to line up correctly). The answer is the rack-mount from Lucasz at L.P. Garage (Sudbury, Suffolk)---this is a complete 'frame' with the rack-mounts correctly aligned and utilises the 6 studs that the steeing-box and idler are normally secured to. It fits both RHD and LHD 500 and 126 models. It's design is such that it also helps stiffen-up the front bulkhead. Highly recommend it. Anyone who wants pictures of this mount is welcome to contact me and I will send them pictures of it---I am not connected to L.P.Garage---just a happy customer of the place. [email protected]

 

[grubscrew]

Hi Tom. Yep, this looks to have its own frame, effectively spanning the full length of the rack.
Incidentally, I spoke to Kelvyn, and he says a Ford Mk1 escort also has a suitable rack, just need to source alternative track rod ends.