Steering
Box Mount Brace (Mklll)
By Karl Schluter -Low Zep
This is a common fault with Mklll’s and even low
mileage standard cars can suffer this problem, which is exaggerated with wide
tyres etc. The police MKlll’s in the UK, also had a similar fix for this. I
have noticed on other Mklll steering box's, the lowest mounting lug is bad for
trapping salt etc and corrodes from the inside out, weakening this tab. Do check
this while undertaking this job.
The mount close to (A1)
in the picture is prone to breaking for a number of reasons on these cars. My
fix is first to get the tab alloy welded back on. Then have a band 50mm wide
and at least 8 mm steel thick bent up to strap over the lower mounts (B).
Bend it so under final tightening the bracket is
pulled tight onto the steering box mounts (that is with the bracket sitting
over the lower box mount, there should be a 3 mm gap between the underneath of
the strap and the steering box tab on one side, that is taken up by the final
tightening of the strap) this should end up looking like (F1).
The strap that covers the lower mounts of the box, I recommend as the easiest
of the two designs to make and install with the steering box still mounted in
the car. The (F2) 3
point bracket is an improved version that is easiest made up with the steering
box out of the car as it is a bit trickier. However, it is worth spending the
extra time. A press etc at a small engineering firm and a piece of 2.0-2.5inch
pipe to form the brace over, will make the job easier. (A2)
shows this 3 point brace in position.
Then a plate should be made (8mm thick (C)
)that is placed underneath the mudguard that covers the mounting points
of the box as fitted in picture (D). Be
sure to remove any underseal before placing the reinforcing plate (C)
into position.
You will need to use longer grade 8 bolts and nyloc
nuts for the final tightening and remember that these nuts should only be used
once.
(Thanks
Ulf in Sweden for the photo)
IMPROVED
STEERING BOX BRACE.
By Karl
Schluter,
This brace design is in my opinion more effective
than just the wrap around brace on its own.
The reason being this brace locates at the extreme
top of the main portion of the box, which is being twisted by steering
movement.
I myself cannot take full credit for this idea, it
turns out early Datsun owners have the same steering box problem.
As a side note, it seems like a lot of bracing just
to keep the Mklll box, however as many owners will tell you the box is a nice
ratio and steers with nice feel and feedback.
The plates should be at least 5mm thick and use
grade 8 bolts with Nylok nuts.
The plate on the box top uses the fixing points of
the standard top plate therefore longer than stock top bolts will need used
with spring washers. Remember oil will be released once you remove these bolts;
a clever person could remove the bolts in an order that keeps the top plate in
place while doing the mock up and final install! A cardboard or wooden pattern
should be made first, much like I also do for engine mounts etc.
Either side securing plates could be used of the two
designed: A, B, or the 1, 2, type that allows for the angle of the box.
Mock the main box plate (C, 3,) in place and its
side plate (B, 2,) and mark where the two met for final welding. The A or 1
plate mounts from the inner guard area.
I would use this brace in connection with the lower
strap brace at top of page.
Disclaimer:
The advice and guidelines given in these articles are given in good faith.
The owners and managers of the Galeforce Zephyr site will take no
responsibility for any injuries or loss sustained while carrying out the
described tasks and procedures or any consequences arising. Please read
the Safety First
Article