Coupling (Steering)

[Mecky]

Hi there,

we use a new rack and pinion steering unit of a Triumph Spitfire in our S2. Unfortunately the coupling between the steering column and the steering gear is a very bad manufactured part. The centres of the two big holes are not fitting to each other and because of that, there is a awefull movement in the steering column and the gear while turning the steering wheel. You can have a look at the part I'm talking about in this link on the bottom left (L14SPT). http://www.bastuck.de/00reloaded/media/pict/FGG_2170110000.png

Is there any alternative part? Something like a cardan-joint or maybe a surely well manufactured coupling? Does anyone of you have an idea or experiences?

And what about the clamps of the steering gear? Does anyone know, whether they are taken from another car? Maybe also Triumph Spitfire or GT6?

Best regards

Stefan

[EuropaTC]

I replaced mine with a universal joint type rather than the rubber/metal constructed item. They are often sold as "uprated" joints for spitfires, etc, and for many others. Lots on Ebay, but they do come in varying sizes and shaft diameters so don't buy without checking. I can't remember what mine came from. This page http://www.rimmerbros.co.uk/Item--i-GRID010547  shows the type of joint I used although I didn't buy mine from there, it came from an autojumble.

The rack mounts are solid aluminium on my car and thought they all were the same on every Europa.  I don't know of any improvements you can make there.

Brian

[Roger]

Go to www.rdent.com and click on Europa parts. Scroll down until you see Steering Column U-joint. 

Or try any of the Lotus specialists in the UK, like Sue Miller. I know she's an Elan specialist, but it's the same part. http://www.mickmillerlotus.com/contact.html

[Mecky]

hi,
we replaced the new coupling by the old one, from the original Europa steering gear. its cleaned up, painted and we replaced the 40 years old rubbers by new one. hard to believe, but this works much better than the damn new rubish from the spitfire...

[Serge]

Hi Stefan,

these are the ones that are being used on the Elan 26R racecars, they are uprated (forged) items for racing. I think Banks can supply these as well.

http://www.kelsport.net/parts/product_details.asp?PartID=314&categoryID=31&PartsectionID=26


Kind regards,

Serge
#460001
http://Sleurs-Motorsport.com