Intermediate Steering Shaft

Baz · #1 (**permalink**) 09-05-2011, 02:31 PM

The NSW RTA now is now questioning information on the Intermediate Steering Shaft which is the round metal shaft between the column and the rack. They are querying if it has been modified by lengthening. The shaft is from a VC Commodore and measures 16mm in width by 43 cms long.

I have been trying to find an un modified VC Commodore shaft to establish the original length without success. If someone could help me out in that regard I would be most appreciative.

If the original non modified rack measures 43 cm in length, I'm laughing. If it is shorter than that, it is obvious that it has been modified by welding another section onto the shaft.

If that is the case, Section 3.4.5. of the Code of Practice for Light Vehicle Modifiications, which has become the bible for the NSW RTA as far as ICV's are concerned, states that "Welded parts must have the weld material identified, a hardness test traversing across the weld area including the heat affected zone, an x-ray inspection and a statement of the weld integrity supplied."

I purchased the rack and the Interediate Steering Shaft from RMC in Perth back in 2007 when I commenced my build. I have contacted them for detailed information, but unfortunately, the manager of the business in 2007 left the Company in 2009 and the current manager knows nothing about the technical side of what transpired in 2007.

My engineer has reported to the RTA that in his opinion, the rack has not been modified in any way and there is no welding or heat treatment on the shaft. The RTA do not appear to accept his assessment and are stating that the original VC Commodore shaft was shorter than the one which is fitted to my vehicle.

If I have to get this shaft x-rayed, can anyone tell me a Company in Sydney who does this type of work?

I need help desparately.

Baz

boxhead · #2 (**permalink**) 09-05-2011, 02:53 PM

I don't have numbers, but would also assume it has been lengthened, as the VC commonwhore rack is behind the K frame when in commonwhore and the steering column pokes out of he firewall only 6 or so inches away (this is from a 20 year ago memory), I am out bush at theoment and do come across many burnt wrecks, I may be able to get a picture of a shaft with a piece of A4 paper beside it as length reference?

Philm · #3 (**permalink**) 09-05-2011, 03:03 PM

That should not be to hard to do.

I may know someone wh can do that testing, I will call today and let you know.

Phil

WKB · #4 (**permalink**) 09-05-2011, 04:20 PM

Baz,
There are two different lengths for this shaft for the manual and power steering racks. The manual steering shaft is the longer of the two.
The measurement from the manual shaft I have is 43.5 cm long.

Warren

stephen low · #5 (**permalink**) 09-05-2011, 07:48 PM

Baz

It seems if Warren's advice is right you should be able to find a forum some where that has the technical specifications to back this up.

RTA can't argue against manufacturer's specifications.

Good luck.

Steve

WKB · #6 (**permalink**) 09-06-2011, 12:02 AM

Baz,
I have attached a photo of the VC Commodore manual steering intermediate shaft. The measurement of 43.5cm was the total lenght of the part. The shaft is 19mm dia which differs from the measurement of yours.

Warren

Zedn · #7 (**permalink**) 09-06-2011, 12:19 AM

Baz doesnt sound like you need it now but i used sinclair Xray at arndell park to test some welds on my car.

Baz · #8 (**permalink**) 09-06-2011, 03:29 AM

Thanks for your help fellas, but the situation has now been resolved.

RMC gave me incorrect information which unfortunately I passed onto the RTA. RMC informed me that the Steering Shaft they supplied was from a VC Commodore which is totally incorrect.

The shaft RMC supplied was actually manufactured by them from AISI No.4340 grade Bola Steel back in 2007. This steel is a highly stressed chromium conponent for use in the aircarft and automotive industry. It contains .3 carbon, 1.5 chrome, .2 M.O., 1.5 nickel N.I., 1.658 DIN and 34 CRNiM06 if that means anything to anyone here.

This is a photo of the Intermediate Steering Shaft fitted to my Cobra. It looks nothing like the pic., posted by WKB of the VC Commodore shaft. so how could RMC get it so wrong?

I suppose that the problem arose around 2009 with RMC when the management changed. I purchased my kit and associated parts in 2007 and none of the management or employees from that era are still employed there. Finding old records has been a major draw-back and just another thing to prolong my build time.

I have discussed the revised information with the RTA and they are prepared to accept that the steering shaft has not been cut, heated or welded in any way and therefore do not require the tests and x-rays outlined earlier in this thread to be conducted. The RTA are willing to accept a certificate from my Engineer outling the metalic characteristics of the steering shaft. I should receive that report from him in a couple of days.

Once again, thanks for the offers of help.

Baz

Rob. Smith · #9 (**permalink**) 09-06-2011, 03:59 AM

Vehicle Safety Compliance Certification Scheme (VSCCS)
Have a look at this.....check the cost of the insurance required.. it looks like the RTA is trying to get rid of the inspectors as well.

Modena · #10 (**permalink**) 09-06-2011, 04:22 AM

crikey baz, the hoops never end do they. Good luck ol' chap.

Mando · #11 (**permalink**) 09-06-2011, 04:35 AM

Baz, I thought I had it tough in South Australia!

Regards.

stephen low · #12 (**permalink**) 09-06-2011, 03:59 PM

Baz

Looks exactly like the one in my G Force - no surprise now that I think about it.

If I remember rightly, Marty Govett from Kenmer Engineering over here indicated to me the universal knuckles came from a Triumph something.

Memory might be faulty on the make though, as I seem to recall having to go to rare spares to get cotter pins to replace the bolts that were in place care of the nuff nuff prior owner of the kit.

This same bloke I swear had tried to drill some holes in the steering attachment plate using what I think was a nail in a power drill as the drill bit.

Anyway I've a build manual somewhere, so I'll go hobble to it later and post any pertinent advice it might have on the topic.

Steve

jcraigau · #13 (**permalink**) 09-10-2011, 04:53 AM

Yea, my understanding is that the RMC's and G-Force are "very" close when comparing engineering. Seems they may use many common parts and steering is certainly one of them. So may be call Rob at G-Force and he'll set you straight.

stephen low · #14 (**permalink**) 09-10-2011, 08:39 AM

Sorry slow to come back.

Didn't find any referrence in the GForce manual but the RMC manual says VK commodore as the source for the shaft and the universals from Triumph, what model it didn't say.

And yes the GF evolved from RMC, I believe Rob used to work at RMC hence the similarities.

Seems you are sorted though Baz.

Cheers

Baz · #15 (**permalink**) 09-10-2011, 07:50 PM

Thanks for your help Stephen. I haven't had any confirmation back from the RTA yet, but I think it should be o.k.

Baz

suthol · #16 (**permalink**) 09-10-2011, 10:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stephen low

Sorry slow to come back.

Didn't find any referrence in the GForce manual but the RMC manual says VK commodore as the source for the shaft and the universals from Triumph, what model it didn't say.

And yes the GF evolved from RMC, I believe Rob used to work at RMC hence the similarities.

Seems you are sorted though Baz.

Cheers

Probably a Triumph 2000, splines are a direct match for the Escort steering rack and I'm pretty sure it's common usage.

Must be I'm using one