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Steering column pinch bolt

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Crossley Stephenson
Posts: 255
Joined: Wed Feb 10, 2016 9:15 pm
Location: Victoria, Australia

Steering column pinch bolt

Post by Crossley Stephenson »

Does anyone know the size of the pinch bolt that connects the upper steering column to the lower arm that has a uj at each end on a V8 250?

I have searched the forum and looked in the repair manual and parts catalogue without success.

Cheers
Michael

Christopher Storey
Helpful Person
Helpful Person
Posts: 404
Joined: Wed Mar 16, 2016 6:40 pm
Location: Cheshire

Re: Steering column pinch bolt

Post by Christopher Storey »

My recollection ( which could be wrong but I am reasonably sure about ) is that it is a shouldered 5/16 UNF bolt which matches the recess on the splined head of the shaft

PS I have just looked at the parts list , and the only piece which might refer is " Bolt, securing Lower Steering Column Socket to Upper Steering Column " and the part number is UFB 131 / 12R which suggests that it is UNF Hex head Bolt , 5/16 , i.5 inches long and wrench driven

tjt77
Wise Man
Wise Man
Posts: 525
Joined: Wed Mar 23, 2016 7:01 pm

Re: Steering column pinch bolt

Post by tjt77 »

yes..its a 5/16 NF bolt with shoulder as stated above.. length approx 2" from memory.. its not critical that its shouldered but if replacing it with a full threaded bolt use a grade 8 or above to keep it strong.. once tightened it will not move. Other cars use similar steering joints.. commonly the MGB .. so its an easy and common bolt to obtain..

Crossley Stephenson
Posts: 255
Joined: Wed Feb 10, 2016 9:15 pm
Location: Victoria, Australia

Re: Steering column pinch bolt

Post by Crossley Stephenson »

Tks guys, absolutely correct - 5/16" UNF x 1 1/2" with a new Nyloc nut!

Cheers
Michael

Crossley Stephenson
Posts: 255
Joined: Wed Feb 10, 2016 9:15 pm
Location: Victoria, Australia

Re: Steering column pinch bolt

Post by Crossley Stephenson »

Having put in a new bolt with new nyloc nut and tightened everything I felt confident that I had solved a problem that keeps recurring. I tighten the nut and after a not too long drive the lower column seems to slip down the spline to reveal about 1/2" of the 'flat' through which the bolt passes to locate everything. I don't think it will come off but it is a bit disconcerting that it moves at all. I do not have the spacer washer that is shown in the parts catalogue. Is this critical?

Any other suggestions?

Cheers
Michael

Fylingdales Flyer
Posts: 8
Joined: Fri Mar 25, 2016 11:19 pm

Re: Steering column pinch bolt

Post by Fylingdales Flyer »

I've just removed the steering column from my 2.5V8 to replace the top and bottom bushes. There is no sign of the lower bush whatsoever, could it have been left out when the car was assembled.
The spacer in the pinch bolt assembly was also not present, although it is mentioned in the workshop manual. Does anybody know whether it is necessary to fit one or not?
Graham

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