Steering U-joint

JAC · #1 (**permalink**) 07-21-2007, 12:15 PM

Has anyone had to squeeze the split in the u-joint that goes on the pinion shaft of the rack with a vise to get the u-joint to tighten up with the bolt? The bolt will not draw the u-joint together enough to clamp on the shaft. Is squeezing it in a vise to get it close enough for the bolt to work safe? Or would it be better to use a u-joint with a set screw instead? Pinion shaft is about .012" undersize from 9/16".
Thank you

MaSnaka · #2 (**permalink**) 07-21-2007, 12:41 PM

Jac, My guess is you need a smaller size to fit proper. The rack is splined or had a "D" shaped end correct? The tightening of the u-joint is just to keep it from sliding off, not to keep it from spinning while trying to turn the wheels. I would call for help from the maker of your shaft. I just don't think your steering column is something you want to be thinking about while turning hard at speed. I'm sure you agree. Hope this helps you. Good luck John

JAC · #3 (**permalink**) 07-22-2007, 09:09 AM

John,
The shaft is splined. Do they make an undersize u-joint? I'll have to find out what brand rack I have and see if they can help. You are right though, I don't want to be thinking about the safety of my steering at speed.
Thank you,
Jerry

427sharpe · #4 (**permalink**) 07-22-2007, 11:00 AM

Check here: http://www.borgeson.com/
They should have whatever you need

MaSnaka · #5 (**permalink**) 07-22-2007, 11:24 AM

Jac, That borgeson website 427sharpe mentions is good. They have a page there to help you identify sizes of spline shafts for ordering new stuff thats compatible. Check it out and at least find out what you need and that may help you with your research. My steering column is a mess and this is my next project as well. It works but I don't have 100% faith in it.

You may also want to check with CRII if this was part of your original kit. Don and Pete can be pretty helpful too.

My steering wheel column has the splined fitting just inside the firewall, then a shaft that extends to about the front of my engine (welded to the ujoint), then on down to another u-joint where it connects to the splined end of the rack. The problem is there is no support in the center area and really no easy way to provide support. I plan on making a bracket to bolt onto the chassis with a hines joint to hold the shaft, but that section of the shaft is welded so I can't take it apart. So a new complete set up for me with the support this time.

I am curious as to what set up your using being you have a CR. Keep me posted if you will. Thanks, John

tcrist · #6 (**permalink**) 07-22-2007, 11:36 AM

JAC,
As you are saying that your shaft is .012 under 9/16 in size, maybe it is a metric sized (14MM) shaft on your rack? Also Don offered to replace your rack with the Flaming River one. You might want to take him up on that. On another note, did you order the rack seperate from your kit or was the rack included in the kit? If CR sent you a rack and it was not a Flaming River then they should at least be able to tell you tha manufacture and P/N of the part so you can get the correct size connections.

Terry

JAC · #7 (**permalink**) 07-23-2007, 04:52 PM

John,
Pete told me to squeeze it in a vise to make it fit. I told him I didn't agree with that, I thought it was a safety issue. He said they do it all the time. I don't want to take that chance with my life or anyone elses. So far I have an Ididit steering column with a DD shaft. CR II has you weld the intermediate shaft to the two u-joints. I think I might have a splined one made and use the needle bearing style u-joints instead. When I get this resolved I'll take a picture and post it in my gallery.

Terry,
I didn't find any metric u-joints in that size. The rack came with the kit, I ordered the "everything" package minus a few items. I contacted Flaming River when I first found my problem and asked if I could replace the pinion shaft. They told me that the rack would have to be sent to them for repair because of liability reasons. I will probably have to take Don up on the Flaming River rack.

Jerry

MaSnaka · #8 (**permalink**) 07-23-2007, 05:18 PM

Thanks for the update Jerry. Good luck!!

tcrist · #9 (**permalink**) 07-23-2007, 05:22 PM

I did not know if they made metric ones or not but .012 under 9/16 would be 14MM. Good luck.

Terry

JAC · #10 (**permalink**) 07-23-2007, 05:32 PM

Terry,
Corvette and Fiero have 17mm x DD connections according to Borgeson. Thanks for the help, I appreciate all I can get.
I wish I could help other people more, I'm just learning some of this myself. Common sense can get you through a lot.
Jerry