Felt bush replace in steering column

[bugedd]

I am replacing the felt bushings in the steering column, and the lower one seems like it might be a bit tricky to replace. Any tips on this?

 

[johntennyson]

I did mine about ten years ago and as I recall, it helped to oil it before shoving it in there, but I also seem to recall needing to shave it a little thinner to keep it from binding. The amount it binds also depends on how tightly it's coiled around the inside of the tube and how hard you shove it in there. I remember it as being a bit of an oily mess and a PITA to get right. You might want to get a couple of them to play with/try different thicknesses as you do the job.

HTH

 

[bugedd]

Thanks, and suggestions on the oil to use? Or a light grease?

 

[bug_sixty]

I ended up pulling the column and working the felt in... yes a little lube is nice...but...use something that won't smell like your work shop...how's about good old bedroom vasoline???

 

[bugedd]

alright, I used some 5wt. shock oil for mountain bikes, and the thing feels like crap and squeaks. The upper had to be shaved down substantially as well. Why do most simple projects with these cars turn me into an alcoholic for a day????

 

[JPSmit]

alright, I used some 5wt. shock oil for mountain bikes, and the thing feels like crap and squeaks. The upper had to be shaved down substantially as well. Why do most simple projects with these cars turn me into an alcoholic for a day????

Just a day???

 

[bugedd]

No kidding. I had to shave down the upper felt about 1/3, and use bicycle bearing grease to get it all together, now hopefully it will break in and not be so stiff. Such a simple project, such a PITA. But now my horn works normally.

 

[nomad]

alright, I used some 5wt. shock oil for mountain bikes, and the thing feels like crap and squeaks. The upper had to be shaved down substantially as well. Why do most simple projects with these cars turn me into an alcoholic for a day????

I've noticed over the years that mechanic's in general tend towards alcoholism!:highly_amused:

Kurt.

 

[BillW103]

The felt bushings were tough to install and the steering is rather stiff. I have never driven any other sprite so I don't know if it is normal. I think it will loosen up eventually.

 

[bug_sixty]

YIKES...that's not good... does the steering return ok on a turn?

 

[markberry]

I did mine about ten years ago and as I recall, it helped to oil it before shoving it in there, but I also seem to recall needing to shave it a little thinner to keep it from binding. The amount it binds also depends on how tightly it's coiled around the inside of the tube and how hard you shove it in there. I remember it as being a bit of an oily mess and a PITA to get right. You might want to get a couple of them to play with/try different thicknesses as you do the job.

HTH

X2

 

[BillW103]

No it doesn't return. It has loosened some. I used oil when putting it together. I think there was only one listed in the catalog. Do they come in different thicknesses?

 

[Jim_Gruber]

Does steering rack possibly need shims changed or adjusted. I had this issue when I changed out pinion gear on the rack. Did you do any work up front or only to the felt? I learned real quick about steering rack sticking. A scary thing.

 

[BillW103]

It was stiff before I hooked it to the rack.

 

[Jim_Gruber]

There are shims in the rack that are used to adjust play. Get the manual out but this is a major safety issue. Not at all hard to fix. And shins can be made from hobby store copper sheet if needed but they are like .005 and .010 thick. Too tight and rack will freeze up on you. I had it happen.