steering column mod

[rdorman]

My Cobra has a steering column from a 60s MGB. This should work for any column that uses bushings instead of bearings.

The MGB column like the original Cobra column used bushings and oil impregnated felt for the shaft to turn in the column. I replaced mine with the OEM pieces since mine where worn out. Hated it. Much to stiff to turn. It loosened up a bit but not enough.

I looked into a new column but really wanted to keep the appearence of my old and could not justify spending the money.

So I took some careful messurements and hit the Internet. I found a company called QBC Bearings (www.qbcbearings.com). I ordered the caged needle bearings. Mine where part number BNDSCE-1416. These bearing are designed for high speed industrial equipment so should last for ever in my steeing column. As I recall the two bearings where $6.80. Be advised they have a $35 minumum order so pick out some other items of interest.

Pulled the shaft out of the column and gladly destroyed the OEM pieces. The top bearing fit the shaft perfect but was a little loose in the column. I took some sheet brass to make a bushing to take up the slack between the outside of the bearing and the column and then bearing locked the whole thing in. The bottom bearing was a bit to small for the shaft. I filed and sanded the shaft till the bearing fit correctly then polished up the shaft a bit.

The bottom of the column closed in a bit to hold the felt in so I ground that out to insert the bearing. Installed the bearing as I did the top one. A little grease on each bearing and put it all back together.

No slop in the wheel and the with the assembled column out of the car you could spin the wheel and it would turn for what seemed like forever! What a difference $6.80 makes!