Steering columns explained

[HXsman]

Hi Vombil, I think that make sense and probably explains some of my issue. Mine just had a circlip above the spring and it was partially off.

So that I am clear as the kit only comes with Bearing, Spring, 1 x Washer, 1 x Circlip, and one other type of Clip.

It makes sence that there is a final washer on the top to protect the wheel.

So in order.

Bottom 1. Washer
2. Spring
3. Circlip
Top 4. Washer (strange as the kit only comes with 1 x Washer

Do I have this in the right order ? (thanks in advance)

[Vombil]

never seen the open ring to right of frame but yes you have order correct and one more washer/ring can't hurt!

[HXsman]

Thanks Vombil,

The Open ring is odd, been trying to figure out where it goes.

Ill run with a washer top and bottom, appreciate your help

[RWK]

Hi, it's Rob here. Regarding the plastic pin in the colapsable shaft I've used a knitting needle, just filed it down 'till it was a few thou' over size and tapped it in.

[Valencia]

Thanks Vombil,

The Open ring is odd, been trying to figure out where it goes.

Ill run with a washer top and bottom, appreciate your help

Can you tell me where you bought that kit from
cheers Gene.

[HXsman]

Hi Gene,

http://www.kingswoodcountry.com.au/b...hq-hj-hx/H1354

$79.00

Cheers

Dean

[Vombil]

bargain....

[Valencia]

Thanks Dean im onto that
is there a lower bearing as well that can be replaced ??
cheers Gene.

[SLR_dave]

Hi, it's Rob here. Regarding the plastic pin in the colapsable shaft I've used a knitting needle, just filed it down 'till it was a few thou' over size and tapped it in.

I don't mean to be overly critical, its an innovative idea, but I don't think I'd use this approach without consulting an engineer or plastics expert if I still expected the safety feature of the collapsible column to work. I mean, it may be that theres a type of knitting needle made from a suitable grade of nylon - ahh, and yeah probably not just any plastic (burrs, melts, stretches) I think, but I dont know. - I also dunno much about knitting needles either (lol).

I'd also just point out that knitting needles (as far as I know) come in a variety of styles, - I seem to recall my Gran had some thin plastic ones, but some are even alloy aren't they? (Young kids on the block definitely don't use metal!)

But just saying, if you want it to collapse if ever (hopefully never) needed, then it needs to be right, it has to sheer cleanly and not melt or foul the works (etc) with the specific types of impact it was designed for.

Each to their own of course, but if mods like that are made, I think its the sort of thing a restorer should warn any future purchaser about. Personally, I don't think this mod should be read as a recommendation without engineering certification.

There must still be some intact steering shafts available, even if pricey. I wonder if there was a compatible, or identical US GM shaft (not the whole column, just the shaft).

I don't know if the column will still collapse properly if the pins are broken, I am not clever enough to understand the shock properties of the column as a whole unit, (I'm thinking about the tensile requirements of the dash mount shear off points), I suppose Holden might be able to advise (maybe). Maybe I'll give em a call tomorrow.

[wbute]

I would be more concerned that it might not be strong enough! The ability to collapse is correct, but it also needs not to collapse or break when you are steering the car at 100kmh!