Hawke Owners Club
Hints & Tips Tim Mackey's Steering problem and solution
 
   
 
I’ve stripped the shaft out see Picture 1. I understand from the build manual(sports-version) that the column was a modified one supplied by GCS – I presume it was a shortened Cortina shaft – but which one?? The shaft is NOT as illustrated in the “Haynes book of lies” (cortina mk4 /5 1976-83 )
Haynes shows various circlips, a different type of lower and upper bearing, and
no mention of a spring at all! I presume the taper on the shaft is normal, but for what purpose?
I can only presume that my column is from a different model of cortina, or that various bits are broken/missing ??
I really need to identify which is the case in order to source the replacement bearings.

I also wonder about a few other points, and have referenced these in picture 1 (notes below)

Note1: Top bearing is steel ball raced affair, lose and naff – as expected- but its inner diameter
is 19.5mm whereas the shaft is generally 19mm – certainly so in the place the bearing appears to fit.
Is this likely to be just wear of the bearing, or is the shaft worn, or is there a sleeve or whatever missing?

Note2: There is a groove in the upper section (one of several actually) see picture – nothing was in it when disassembled
– but it sure looks like a circlip or similar should be in here?

Note3: What is this “castellated” type thingy for? - where is it supposed to fit ? – I guess in the second larger groove indicated on picture?
I suspect it may have broken up as little bits of broken metal splinters were found upon disassembly.
What is it called and what does it do ?? (again no sign of this in the Haynes book )

A guy at Stoneleigh suggested that the mk1 Sierras used the same shaft bearings – I wonder if you can confirm this.
Indeed you may be aware of other Ford vehicles which use these components.

P.S brake master cylinder also needs replacing – again different from manual – mine has 3 outlets , not 2.
1 to each front wheel on seperate lines, and one line to the rears. Which Cortina is this from??
Cheers Tim Mackey. 01492 534 260 /  07855 352227
 
 
  Solution  
   
   
   
   
 

Following on from my steering column woes earlier, I did manage to get a new top bearing from Ford dealer (fiesta/escort/transit ) but on trying to re-assemble it all , there is still a problem somewhere. I think other pieces are missing/broken - the whole damn thing is naff! Have now got a good mk4 column from local breakers yard, and I am going to  modify and fit this one instead - MUCH better top bearing arrangement on this one, and it matches my Haynes pics too -:) Will use the GCS lengthened bottom section from old column,  Also the outer tube on the mk4 column is about 9" shorter than my old one, and subsequently will not reach the bulkhead hole, so I will have to either....

1) Lengthen it by cutting off  9" from the old tube and adding it to the new tube or...

2) Change the bearing upper-housing (where stalk attachments are) on the old tube for the new housing, to accept the new bearing.

Have now discovered that new column (Mk4) has the key lock sleeve in a totally different position on the shaft than mine, which would put everything out of place, and leave the steering wheel approx 3” further into the drivers chest! Furthermore the shaft would then not be long enough to reach the coupling in the engine compartment – even with the GCS extended bottom section.

After much trial and error , head-scratching, and swearing (find this always helps J ) I decided that the best way forward was as follows…..

Removed the new top bearing /stalk mounting unit from the MK4 shaft, and fitted to the OLD tube (which is much longer than the new tube). Machined 3 new grooves in the old  shaft, at the same position as the new shaft – relative to the lock sleeve. These grooves take a circlip, o ring, and a further circlip, all holding the bearing to the shaft. This enables me to now use the new better bearing, in the new mounting, but uses the old shaft with everything the right length and position.

Incidentally, my brake master cylinder has 3 x outlets – not just the 2 as fitted to earlier models of Cortina. I ordered a Mk5 Cortina one, and it was an exact match.

I have attached various pictures of the old top bearing (column unknown but suspect possibly Escort / Fiesta / even Transit ! ) and also the bearing and outer tube etc from the Mk4 for comparisons. Maybe this might help others who could have a similar problem now or later. Thanks to all those people who bothered to contact me with advice following my emails /web post.

Tim Mackey.

  Steering column Guru, recently qualified by experience!! J
     
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