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Sprite steering?

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Hi
thanks for all the advice
I did clean the splines and ran a 32 hack saw blade through the split on clamp. Bought a new bolt
Tested it by turning the steering wheel with out the car rolling. Good grip like before no play.
The question is how good is it?
What about drilling a 3/8 inch deep hole through the clamp and just a bit into the nub on the rack then tapping it to
1/4/20 threads and putting in a setscrew.
As set screws are used to hold pulley to out put shafts and seed to work just fine.
CLAMP1.jpg

NUB2.jpg
 
Changing out the pinion gear is really simple and that will give you new splines on the male side. Be aware that the steering column has a setup where the bolt needs to be physically removed before the column can come off. The nut and bolt along with a metal nylock need to be replaced. At minimum the column needs to get derusted, the electrolytic rust removal process would work well to clean this up. But if you were able to remove the column without removing the bolt then the bolt is totally rusted through. DO NOT DRIVE THIS CAR PERIOD UNTIL IT IS FIXED!!!!

Google Electrolytic Rust Removal for details but a Battery Charger and some Arm and Hammer Washing Soda and some wire and battery clamps and a sacrificial lump of steel as an anode are all you need. 24 hours in the soup and the bolt will likely fall out.

A fix involving replacement of the steering column and pinion IMHO is recommended. You may be willing to risk your own life but don't put others in jeopardy.
 
I would make sure the bolt size is large enough to fit in the groove of the pinion. Just slip the bolt thru with the shaft on the pinion without tightening and try to pull the shaft off. If it comes off then the bolt is too small in diameter or the pinion is too worn.
Good luck, Rut
 
I put in a new bolt but it seem just by looking that the bolt is not in the grove. looks closer to the rack . I have never removed the clamp but it looks up side down to me.
I will check to see if shaft can be removed with bolt in.
Who would you suggest getting a new pinion from?
Thanks
rod
 
I don't know what the original size bolt is, but I would put the biggest one in that would fit. After you cleaned it up it didn't look THAT bad.
Good luck, Rut
 
If you look at the picture I provided of my BE, you will see that the clamp orientation is the same as yours.
 
The bolt is a 1/4" pinch bolt. Part number 53K1013. Pinion is part number ACA6027.
 
And it needs to be a hardened bolt and that new metal nylock you bought. Throw it away, one time use only. Pinion is simple to change out there are procedures in the manual re spacers/shims. Easy to make out of hobby copper sheet if needed.
 
There is a lock washer between bolt, and metal locking nut. At least there was on mine when I took it apart. There are other bolts that hold the steering column in place besides the coupling at the pinion gear. Both under the dash as well as at the firewall. Were all of those in place when the steering let loose. After pulling the steering column apart twice over the years it's difficult to get it apart period.

New parts in there are a definite safety item. I'd consider looking for a replacement steering column as well.
 
If it were me I would buy a bolt with the unthreaded shank long enough to reach across the gap in th pinch section of the steering column. If the treaded portion sticks out too far after it is installed I would cut that off. By doing that you have solid shank instead of threads where the bolt fits in the groove that keeps the steering column from coming off.
Just a little more secure and would give me more peace of mind.

Kurt.
 
:iagree:
 
The original is only threaded at the end and the replacement bolt should definitely NOT be threaded all the way.
 
nomad said:
If it were me I would buy a bolt with the unthreaded shank long enough to reach across the gap in th pinch section of the steering column. If the treaded portion sticks out too far after it is installed I would cut that off. By doing that you have solid shank instead of threads where the bolt fits in the groove that keeps the steering column from coming off.
Just a little more secure and would give me more peace of mind.

Kurt.
Click to expand...

yes the bolt is non thread across the grove and I did cut it off at the end.
The bolt that came our was threaded all the way. Not sure how long it has been that way but more then 15 years
I have had this car since 1973 . I do remember one time I did pull the steering couloum out when trying to fix the horn but do not remember changing the bolt
 
I just noticed that Bill M has a steering column to fit a Bugeye he's trying to clean out of his garage for $10.00. Lot's of parts and pieces posted here he needs to clean out of his garage before he moves.
 
hi
I am looking to buy a new sterling pinion
I have tried Moss but their shipping policy up set me
They do not have any on hand but can get one for the UK
I have been looking of that source and cannot find it.
Any one know of a good source for this part?
Thanks
Sim
 
Try Victoria British, AH Spares, or Moss Europe as shown below

ACA6027
PINION, LHD
Sprite I, Sprite II, Sprite III, Midget I, Midget II ÂŁ20.15
€23.98 1

I ordered a Bonnet Badge from AH Spares 2 years ago and it took perhaps a week to get across the pond and shipping was reasonable. I believe < $10.00.
 
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