MG-Cars.info

Welcome to our Site for MG, Triumph and Austin-Healey Car Information.

Parts

TR parts and Triumph parts, TR bits, Triumph Car Spares and accessories are available for TR2, TR3, TR3A, TR4, TR4A, TR5, TR6, TR7, TR8, Spitfire and Stag and other TR models are available from British car spares and parts company LBCarCo.

Triumph TR6 - Replacing Steering Shaft Bearings


I own a 1976TR6 which has some play in the steering wheel shaft. You can actually feel play in the steering wheel while parked if you push/pull on it. Its not major at this point but I'd rather prevent it from worsening.

I understand there are 2 teflon bearings that center the steering shaft within the column. These wear over time and eventually cause this problem.

Has anyone ever changed these and if so can you offer any advice? Do you have to remove the dash to get at the column in order to remove these? or is there a simpler way?

Tks,

Gary

Owner of the 2nd last built Triumph TR6
Gary Arsenault

Gary
This was discussed just this past January and the thread title is "Steering Column Work".
It sounds like your 6 is a keeper...2nd last built...not bad.
Rick C
Rick Crawford

Gary,
Good luck.
But first, when you push and pull the steering wheel
what you're feeling is the play in the steering pinion
itself assuming all bolts are tight between steering
wheel and steering rack. There is not much you can do about that unless you take apart the the rack and add
shims, which is doable.Where you will find play in the nylon bearings is when you move the steering
wheel side to side.Yes you do have to remove the entire
steering column. I did this and still couldn't get
the little buggars out. I had heard that you slide the
steering rod back and forth inside the column harder
and harder til one of the bearings comes out then
pull out the rod with the bearing turn the rod around
slide it back into the column and bang the other bearing out. Only no matter how hard I banged I could
get nothing to happen. Not wanting to wreck it settled
for some heavy grease injected between bearing and rod.
I've also heard that even when these cars where new
there was some slop in the wheel.
Chris
Christopher Trace

It could be as simple as the rubber rack supports being old so the whole rack is moving a bit in response to a push-pull on the wheel. You should check that out as well.
Brent B

It is always so important to diagnose accurately before you pull apart, perhaps the wrong thind!. Get underneath, with a friend at the wheel, have them pull, push, shake up and down, side to side while you have your hands at every part of the linkage. It will soon become apparent where the wear is. Peter
Peter G

Thanks to all for your comments and direction. Looks like I've got a mess of a job if I decide to go ahead with it.

Will let you know the results if I go ahead with it.

Tks again,

Gary
Gary Arsenault

Gary

Check your column while someone pulls in and out and observe.

There is play in the coupling and locator normally.

How much play do you have?

Bill


Bill Brayford

Isn't it possible to adjust the position of the coupler to take up some of the slack caused by a worn bearing? I seem to remember loosening up the coupler and pushing the steering wheel forward to force the rod deeper into the coupler, and then tightened the coupler to remove a sloppy wheel that had the same symptoms.
R.C. Blair

Bob
I do not think this is possible. A worn steering column bearing(s) gives lateral movement (left and right). A loose coupling will give either back lash or longitudinal play (in/out). The coupling (clamp TRF plate DH 4&5)is either tight or loose...there is no in between. The coupling has no effect on/or correction to a worn bearing(s).
Another place to look at for play is the flexible coupling joining the upper and lower shafts. ( do not forget the wire loop or u will be starting another thread about non operational horns:)
Rick C
Rick Crawford

This thread was discussed between 07/04/2003 and 13/04/2003

Triumph TR6 index