Escort steering column

[bitsilly]

I had considered modifying the Ram to accept a collapsible column but it got too complicated so I decided to stick with standard until after SVA.

It came with the factory modified Escort column. Compared to some racks I looked at which have roller bearings, adjustment up down in out etc and a lovly smooth movement, the Escort on is CRAP. It is a solid bar loosely dropped in a pipe. My one also a small bend where it has been rewelded.

I was just wondering am I missing something like bearings, all my one has is a circlip type ring around the end, if you tip it up it will fall 90% out jamming only at the end.

Another possible solution is order a custom one. Does anyone know are there any SVA issues with type approval and how much are they?

Cheers
Ed

[gareth08]

Ed,
Have you considered getting a world class from someone like Rally Design.

[mylesdw]

There is a roller bearing that goes into the tube at the top (steering wheel end). It is (was) available from Ford but of pretty poor quality so I replaced mine with a plain nylon bushing which works fine and has less play. I can't remember what goes at the lower end; it is not a roller bearing but a plain bush I think.

[bitsilly]

Cheers Myles (cussy-bro!!) I'll check into that (hope that lingo is still OK, a hangover from picking grapes in Hawks Bay).

Gareth, what is a world class? Do you know if the splines are the same? It might be a good idea especially if it is collapsable and can be made to length.

Cheers

[kdavies3]

Hi Ed, I have a spare Escort Mk11 column if you need another one, I think it's straight.

[bitsilly]

Have sent you a PM cheers Kev.

[simon]

Why not look into fitting a corsa electric column like DAX do?
I know Gumball says it's transformed his car.

[bitsilly]

The Dax price makes that a later upgrade. I would like to see it at a show mind, good idea.

[simon]

Dax price?
one went on ebay recently for £50!

[bitsilly]

I saw that, but had thought from previously reading something that Dax had big problems getting it to work right. Do you know if Gumball used Dax stuff and what kit he has?
If it is simple enough (ie good old engineering as opposed to electronics) I may try it after all!