Trafficator and steering adjustment

[mgtf328]

Trafficator (BJ8 with Adj steering column)
Before I start taking things apart I was wodndering if I could get some advice on what to look for. My traficator is fixed properly by the 3 grub screws but the bakelite head still rotates in the direction of the steering wheel, not much just an 1/8" or so either way, it just feels a bit loose. First question, is this normal?
If not, looking at the excellent write up in the archives (by Lin Rose? many thanks) it seems that this can only be cause by
1. damaged groove in the stator tube.
2. the locking tab on the backing plate not seating correctly or
3. the 3 screws in the base plate are loose. Would this be a correct assumption or is it more complicated/easier?

Steering adjustment
I have an A/H Spares constant clearance steering box fitted but there's still about 3/4" play in it so I thought I'd try and adjust it.
I reduced it to about 1/4" by turning the adjusting screw down about 1/4 turn. It felt like I could go further but I "chickened out" not knowing what would happen.
At 1/4" play it steers well and still self centres when I let the wheel go free. I didn't detect the high spot others have mentioned when turning the steering with the car jacked up (cos it's constant clearance, right?). I do feel however that the steering is heavier, not sure if this is my imagination or not but would appreciate some words of wisdom. What might happen if you screw the peg too far down on a constant clearance box, does the steering just get heavier until it no longer self centres or locks the box? Is it possible to screw it too far?

Thanks for any advice.

AJ

 

[steveg]

Trafficator
I replaced my stator tube a couple of years ago. My trafficator has the 1/8" play you describe - would say that's normal due to the clearance between the key in the shorter tube and the slot.

Steering adjustment
I rebuilt my box with a Welch constant clearance worm a couple of years ago.
With the front end on jack stands, try operating the steering with one finger on the wheel. Steering should be that light with no load. The 3/4" play you had before was very good. I'd experiment with the adjuster screw until you reach the point where it just starts to drag and you feel the steering just start to get heavier, then back off to no drag.

 

[Bob_Spidell]

If you tighten the adjuster stud on the box too tight, the steering won't self-center (at least, that's what happened when I did it).

 

[John Turney]

Trafficator
...
With the front end on jack stands, try operating the steering with one finger on the wheel. Steering should be that light with no load. The 3/4" play you had before was very good. I'd experiment with the adjuster screw until you reach the point where it just starts to drag and you feel the steering just start to get heavier, then back off to no drag.

When you put the front end on jack stands, put a 2" block of wood under the upper A-arms. Then the wheels will be at the normal height.

 

[steveg]

Replacing my flasher relay, I had mine up today, sans the 2" blocks*, and still had the 1-finger turning effort. Am sure it'd be even easier with the proper geometry.
* Can get away with that with poly bushings