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Sprite steering?

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sim

sim

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HI
Here is the problem the clamp that holds the steering shaft to the splines nub on the rack does not want to hold.
Been thinking of this repair. Drill and tap the clamp and part of the nub then install a set screw.
Let me know what you think.
Was driving when the clamp lost 90% of it hold was in a left turn at the time but was slow this day. I have been through this turn in 2nd with WOT Luck had it that it was still cold and the carbs were not up to speed. Manage to drive it home as this car can be steered by just thinking it down the road
 
Rule #1: never ( as in EVER) modify, take chances or half do ANYTHING in steering, suspension or brakes.

Now I know there are those who modify suspension parts, but I'm not a fan of that.
 
What year Spridget? Perhaps you simply need to change out the pinion gear, includes the spline. Gears for the older style racks are fairly cheap.
 
Jim_Gruber said:
What year Spridget? Perhaps you simply need to change out the pinion gear, includes the spline. Gears for the older style racks are fairly cheap.
Click to expand...

Isn't a rebuilt rack really cheap?
 
STOP DRIVING THE CAR!until you get it fixed for good.
Make sure the bolt threads are long enough so the nut will pull the outside of the spline tight.
 

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HI
It is a 58 and this is the one that came with the car
Splines look ok on both parts
I would think my idea would make this an up grade. as now there are 2 ways to hold the steering shaft in place
However i will give this more thought and send some pictures
 
CLAMP.jpg

SHAFT.jpg

NUB.jpg

now that I have some pictures splines look worn
I will try a hex socket on that bolt to see if I can get it to clamp tighter
 
Your splines do not look very crisp, and they should not be rusty. They are usually not dry and crusty like yours is. You should clean up both sides so you can really see what you have. Also, the split in the clamp looks to be full of rust and debris. This will keep the clamp from compressing properly. You need a clear, clean split without any obstruction. You at least need to replace the washer too.
 
I've got a similiar problem though not that bad. I'm thinking clean it up and apply some lock tite thread locking compound to the splines. It appears that you pulled the shaft without having to remove the bolt??? That is very scarey!!!Bolt should fit thru the groove on the rack and not allow the shaft to come off.
 
The rust "grows" and spreads the splines, then the rust breaks and the deteriorated splines wear even more. The only 100% safe option is to replace. However, I'd derust it all, inspect to see if it is still serviceable.
 
I really can't tell from the picture, but the female portion of the shaft doesn't appear to show the bolt going thru. Is the clamp bolt undersized or just too rusted to fit in the groove?
Rut
 
I'm with the majority here. You might try cleaning it up but I'd bet replacement is in order. Bound to be cheaper than the trip to ER or the undertaker.
 
Always start by getting all super clean. Then consider how it should be. Then work a solution.

Might want to change your location to something other than USA so someone close by could offer some assistance.
 
I'll say it again...



kellysguy said:
Rule #1: never ( as in EVER) modify, take chances or half do ANYTHING in steering, suspension or brakes.
Click to expand...

Clean and see but looks and sounds like replacement is needed.

A BIG X2 on not driving the car.
 
Agree with all the above but especially Rut's observation about the bolt. If the bolt was correct and not rusted out in the middle it's hard to imagine being able to pull the steering column with the bolt in place.
 
Maybe I should have said "Clean and See, then have someone that knows what he is doing check it."
 
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