MG-Cars.net

Welcome to our resource for MG Car Information.

Recommendations

Parts

MG parts spares and accessories are available for MG T Series (TA, MG TB, MG TC, MG TD, MG TF), Magnette, MGA, Twin cam, MGB, MGBGT, MGC, MGC GT, MG Midget, Sprite and other MG models from British car spares company LBCarCo.

MG MGB Technical - Early Steering Column

With about one month of good weather left I have started to plan my winter repair list. I have a 67 MGB that has movement in the steering column. I can get the steering wheel to move up and down about 1/8 inch and when I hold the steering U-Joint I can get the column at the firewall to move up and down. The VictoriaBritish catalog shows three bushings, lower, middle and upper, for the early steering column. Could these be the reason that I have movenment in the column? How easy is it to replace these bushings?
Jim Lema

Jim,

I did this project last winter and it was the easiest thing. I only remember and replaced top and bottom bushings. Moss shows only top and bottom 263-410 & 263-420 and I'm sorry can't find my Vicky catalog tonight. Anyway, the old nylon bushigs slid out (you might need a hook like a cloths hanger) and new hand pressed right in. They go in the outer steering column.

I replaced the steering u-joint at the same time. I'm not realy sure if I needed to but the part was only ten bucks Moss 263-260

Install of the steering U-joint is the same procedure as the driveshaft. I would caution you however, this is not the easiest job. The book makes it look oh so simple. Took me a better part of the day but it was my first attempt so I was learning. I mention the U-joint in case it's part of the problem. I'm sure there's info in the archives that would better explain techniques of U-joint replacement than I dare.

Paul
Paul Hanley

Jim,

As Paul says, piece of cake! My 66 had two bushings, top and bottom. Got them from Moss. Bottom was felt, top plastic. Soaked the felt one in oil prior to inserting. Tightened up the slop in my wheel at the hub.

Good Luck

Jim
Jim Hanks

Follow the repair manual procedures on realignment of the column and rack to prevent binding. Otherwise this is just as described above. Actually I've had to replace the upper plastic bush a couple of times over a 10 year period. Maybe the replacement plastic isn't as good as the old.

Also, be careful not to bend the horn spring contact as you put the upper shaft into the column.

You'll like the results.
Robert McCoy

I did this awhile back as well, on my '67. This is one of those cheap, easy jobs, that makes a world of difference. You'll probably need to replace the rubber boot at the firewall, as well. Another caution: there's a hole that locates the turn signal switch to the outer column. Upon reassembly, make sure you line that up level, or your switch will look squint. Probably the best darn ten bucks I've ever spent on the B.

Terrence Goodell

Thanks for the help. I had not thought about the steering U-joint. The rear Jet on the SU's was leaking and I replaced it. The leak dripped onto the steering U-joint. For the cost I think I will rebuild the U-joint at the same time. VB shows three brush's and Moss shows two. I will probability get them from Moss as they are on the West coast and shipping is closer to me than VB. In the past six months I have had both jets leak due to the plastic tube cracking between the float and the jet. Good to have a fire extinguisher handy just in case. Now I know what the heat shield is really for, it's a gas splash shield.
Jim Lema

This thread was discussed between 08/09/2003 and 10/09/2003

MG MGB Technical index

This thread is from the archive. The Live MG MGB Technical BBS is active now.