Joined: Aug 2017 Posts: 3,329 Threads: 372
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Stripping down steering box to clean and service, and I've unfastened and taken out the big bolt at the top of the box, and taken out the key bolt. I've WD40'd, a bit of heat, molegrips anti and clockwise.... and no shifting of the column shaft is occurring!
I've now taken out the arm and cleaned, and lubricated back up from behind. And I've tried securing the column and turning the box.
A suggestion was that it may have been loctited in place. Any other thoughts on how to proceed? lots of Heat?
Joined: May 2018 Posts: 2,098 Threads: 110
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Location: Llandrindod Wells
Car type: 29 Special, 30 RK, 28 C Cab
Hi Jon
I’d be wary of how you apply the heat. It’s an aluminium casting and localised heat could lead to cracks.I can’t remember if there is any galvanic reaction between brass and aluminium but that could be the reason they are so tight.
WD40 is not an ideal liquid to release stubborn threads. Plain old diesel is better or Plus gas.
Also I find Mole grips are ideal for rounding off the heads of nuts and bolts! A pair of Stilson May give you a bit more leverage? But again watch you are not creating teeth marks in the column!
Cheers
Howard
Joined: Aug 2017 Posts: 1,462 Threads: 26
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Yes, they do, sometime prove a bit reluctant to unscrew but Plus Gas or similar on the thread (WD40 is not a penetrating fluid), leave soaking overnight then gentle heat on the alloy steering box and Stilsons or similar on the steel column has always worked for me.
Steve
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ok thanks. This a steel or cast iron one - could that be the problem re corrosion? Why did they change it back to alloy out of interest?
Re the gripping, I'm presuming the column and the castellated bit are one, so I'm Stilsonning the castellated bit.
Joined: May 2018 Posts: 2,098 Threads: 110
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Location: Llandrindod Wells
Car type: 29 Special, 30 RK, 28 C Cab
Hi Jon
If you Stilson the castilation part you will destroy the thread.
Cheers
Howard
Joined: Aug 2017 Posts: 3,329 Threads: 372
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Hmm. well it looks like there has been some heavy action in the past on the castellated part. Some slightly deformed castles.
And I've tried to drift it lightly there with some alloy rod to break whatever thread lock there was. Oops.
What is the worse case scenario for demounting here if something IS already broken in the thread?
Joined: Sep 2017 Posts: 100 Threads: 32
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Location: Hampshire
Just a thoght; I presume you removed the small dowel bolt, that locks into the castellation?
Joined: Apr 2018 Posts: 507 Threads: 129
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Location: Staffordshire
Car type: Ruby mk 2
Just to pick up on the best penetrating/releasing fluid.
For some reason I use GT 85.
Maybe I am kidding myself that this is best.
I seem to remember GT85 leaves a coating after use ?
Regards
Tim
