Steering Column Adjustment Collet

[Deamaker 5]

Here is a question I will put out there to anyone who has an adjustable steering wheel hub.

I have always thought that the hub itself was worn down on its clamping fingers, causing the hub to have a little play in it even though the collet was as tight as it could be. Well, when looking at this issue more closely the other day with the steering wheel removed, I did notice now that maybe it’s the collet itself as I see a lot of wear there around the opening (beveled), that crimps down in the hub fingers.

Has anyone experienced this play in the hub? What was the solution that solved it? Was it a new collet? A modified collet? This hub of mine happens to be an older Mona Lita hub and an older collet.

Thanks! GP

 

[BobHaskell]

With the steering wheel not installed in the car, tighten the collet. Do the gaps between the fingers disappear? If they do, you could try widening the gaps. If not, you could try a thin shim between the fingers and the collar (on the bevel). I'm just thinking out loud; haven't had to deal with this issue.

 

[vette]

I hope your Mona Lisa is hanging on the wall and your Moto Lita is in your Healey.

 

[Deamaker 5]

I hope so to !!

 

[John Turney]

Is the play back and forth or in and out? If there is no in and out (front and back) play with the collet tight, the fingers are tight. It may be the felt bush, Moss 667-600.

 

[Deamaker 5]

The collet is tight and she still moves in and out .

 

[John Turney]

Mine is tight, but I think the first thing I would try widening the gaps between the fingers a bit.

 

[red57]

Widening the gaps between the fingers is a good idea but sometimes it takes more than hand tight to get them to not slide. I have sometimes used strap wrenches to get the nut/collar tight enough to lock the wheel in place.

 

[Deamaker 5]

I am wondering if a machine shop could add a bevel piece to that collet and see if that crushes the fingers better