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can you see a flaw in my cunning plan?
02GF74 - 8/7/10 at 07:47 AM

I am extending a mk2 escort steering column by chopping and then sleeving the lower part which means I wil not be able to fit the lower bush once it is welded up.

The lower bush is plastic and worn so will be replaced by a metal bush. Metal because I reckon the plastic one would melt during welding and being much harder, will last longer, not that that is an issue.

From what I have read, bronze due to its "self-lubricating" properties is the best material altough brass would do the job too.

So can anyone see a flaw in my cunning plan?


coozer - 8/7/10 at 07:49 AM

Bump steer?


MikeR - 8/7/10 at 08:03 AM

Could you not cut and extend the shaft in a different place?

Otherwise what about a proper bearing as fitted by a few people to sierra shafts (you'll have to do a search on here). Just get one with a larger / smaller size.


Bluemoon - 8/7/10 at 08:05 AM

Why do you need to do this? Best avoided if possible IMHO, mainly because you probably need to extend the next section that connects to the rack anyhow..

As to the plastic bush replace with a real bearing (there are a few posts on this). Also if you have to extend you could use a larger one of these bearings allowing you to get it apart again??

Dan


02GF74 - 8/7/10 at 08:59 AM

quote:
Originally posted by coozer
Bump steer?



02GF74 - 8/7/10 at 09:09 AM

Could you not cut and extend the shaft in a different place?
Not possible as it will not fit into the coulmn outer (coumun is tube with a slid inner piece)


Otherwise what about a proper bearing as fitted by a few people to sierra shafts (you'll have to do a search on here). Just get one with a larger / smaller size.

If you can tell me how I it a proper bearing over the sleeve that is larger than the inner diameter of the bearing then I will do that; plus I would need to fabricate some sort of holder to keep the bearing in place.



Why do you need to do this? Best avoided if possible IMHO, mainly because you probably need to extend the next section that connects to the rack anyhow.
Once the colun is exended it will meet the UJ in the link between the column and rack so oting else needs extending.


As to the plastic bush replace with a real bearing (there are a few posts on this). Also if you have to extend you could use a larger one of these bearings allowing you to get it apart again??
See above. My reasoning is that if Ford were quite happy to fit a flimsy sleeve then surely a stronger sleeve
shold wokr just as well, if not better?


the only thing that as occred to me is that I have a longer section that goes past the end of the outer column tube so I may need addtional support but I don't think tis will be a problem.


David Jenkins - 8/7/10 at 11:11 AM

quote:
Originally posted by 02GF74
From what I have read, bronze due to its "self-lubricating" properties is the best material altough brass would do the job too.



Brass and bronze have one disadvantage - if the bearing is in a dirty environment then they will pick it up, then use it to wear away the steel (eventually). You also have to keep it lubricated else it will squeak and wear.

You could consider sintered bronze bearings (e.g. Oilite) which (a) hold lubricant for a long time, and (b) don't pick up grit so much.


RichardK - 8/7/10 at 11:49 AM

What about using a split bearing?

http://www.cooperbearings.com/

or

http://www.jmangsun.com/Split%20roller%20bearing.htm

Cheers

Rich

[Edited on 8/7/10 by RichardK]


flak monkey - 8/7/10 at 11:57 AM

I work for Cooper, our smallest bearing is 30mm bore, so maybe a little big. Heavy too...


40inches - 8/7/10 at 12:53 PM

Trying to visualise something is always a problem. Photos???


02GF74 - 10/7/10 at 12:08 PM

like this; the oem plastic bush is fitted

(ignore the copper brake pipe instead of steel roll pin - temporary measure to keep it all together) Rescued attachment DSC06648.JPG
Rescued attachment DSC06648.JPG


02GF74 - 10/7/10 at 12:11 PM

and assembled. Rescued attachment DSC06649.JPG
Rescued attachment DSC06649.JPG


MikeRJ - 10/7/10 at 04:25 PM

You will need to support the end near the universal joint or the column will flex.