TR2/3/3A TR3 Split Column

[CJD]

Alright, I've got a tube, shaft, stator, and a stack of felt and teflon bushings...trouble is it's been 18 months since I took this thing apart. I would greatly appreciate if anyone has pics or diagrams of the order everything fits into the upper steering tube.

Thanks!

John

 

[EV2239]

On mine the felt bush is soaked overnight in oil and fitted into the top or behind the steering wheel.

The Teflon bush with two little pegs sticking outwards goes into the bottom end of the tube.

Ash

 

[TR3driver]

except the book says to use graphite on the felt so that's what I always did (until I converted it to Delrin).

The top of the upper tube has a ring rolled into it (which retains the felt), while the bottom has two holes for the ears of the bushing. I used a pair of channel-lock pliers to mash the ears and start the bushing into the end of the column.

Insert the bushings, then install the upper column leaving all the clamps loose. Insert the upper half of the steering shaft and install the coupling to the lower shaft. Wiggle things around until you're certain there is no side force on the shaft, then snug up all the clamps (without moving the column) before doing the final tightening.

Remove the nut & gland from the steering box (if they aren't off already), install the "lantern" springs on the stator tube, then slide it in from the top. Leave just enough protruding that you can slide the gland over the end and loosely install the nut.

Center the steering & install the steering wheel, tightening the nut firmly and returning the steering to center. Then center the control head and install it with the turn lever straight up. Tighten the 3 grub screws that locate the control head to the wheel. Finally, firmly tighten the gland nut on the steering box before turning the steering.

 

[CJD]

Excellent! The felt bearing was throwing me off, as I was sure it would be more complicated.

Thanks much!

John

 

[ekamm]

I used graphite as instructed works well. Th wheel will feel very tight at first but over night the felt must have compressed just enough to loosen up the it was great.

 

[CJD]

I'll definitely do the graphite. I think I remember one of the old bulletins about a squeaky wheel talked about that. I am still amazed that the felt works...seems so simple!

The upper column turned out to be a 10 minute job...I love it when things are easier than I thought. That happens so seldom?!

I spent the morning cleaning the dash switches. I was very impressed that they all disassemble, so they can be completely cleaned. Now they are all good as new. All I have to do now is install the instruments...

...and I think this thing will be ready to start. I really find that hard to believe, but I'm out of parts to install...it kinda snuck up on me. So, maybe this weekend...

Thanks again!

John

 

[ekamm]

Good luck and post some pics when you get her on the road.