Intermediate shaft

[lomondbob]

Just got the steering column to put in the engine bay before engine goes in. I'm puzzled by Dax's instruction to "Cut the (intermediate) shaft to length and hold it alongside the UJs". I can understand that length may need to be adjusted to suit the individual but surely, the shaft is made of hardened steel and is not designed to be cut or filed? I have not tinkered with it yet. Any observations? Thanks.


Bob

[Happy Jim]

Originally Posted by lomondbob

but surely, the shaft is made of hardened steel and is not designed to be cut or filed? I have not tinkered with it yet. Any observations? Thanks.
Bob

Not hardened at all.

Rgds

Jim

[Robin427]

Trust me. Not hardened. Easily cut.

Measure twice...

[lomondbob]

Jim/Robin. Thanks for the info. I'm surprised but will go ahead and "measure twice and cut once". And just whilst I'm on the subject, can you confirm that the bracket/bearing for the lower part of the main column is located as high and as far to the inside of the car as possible? A pic would help if possible. Thanks.


Bob

[craggle]

Hi Bob

I would wait for final fitment of the bulkhead bearing until you have the headers on the engine.
I fitted my column bearing as far to the inside and as high as possible but still had to adjust it once the headers were fitted. The clearance between the steering column shaft and the pipes is tight to say the least.

Craig.

[lomondbob]

Good advice Craig. Will do.


Bob

[BenBaron]

Also make sure you have the steering wheel tightend up properly, this pulls the shaft up, I measured twice, cut once, did up the wheel and eh presto shaft was about an inch too short

[lomondbob]

Thanks Ben. Will do. This means I need to buy a steering wheel! Ah well, lots of other jobs to be getting on with.


Bob