Cracked Steering Column Mount

[Al Milton]

Just been outside tinkering and checking the modded tank fit today. Couldn't get this finished unfortunately due to the cold weather affecting the curing time of the glass resin I am using to seal the ply boot panels.

 

However, noticed this crack while trial fitting some Focus column stalks. Thankfully the other 3 mounts look fine.

 

Am I correct in thinking that the steel plate that appears to go through the 'cracked' fitting is the load bearer? (This crack is on the front left column mount point on the SuperSpec chassis).

 

Would it be possible to repair to keep Mr SVA / IVA man happy? (repair being weld or secure with chemical metal?) or is it a new column?

 

Any pointers appreciated.

 

Cheers

Al

[Guest robinj66]

Any chance of a bigger picture - those of us getting on a bit can't see the finer detail.

 

Or is it too much excess over Christmas ?

[Al Milton]

Tried with a magnifying glass, (or beer glass), hope this one is better...

 

Nope, don't think this worked too well, must lay off the vino......

[Al Milton]

Try again....

 

 

 

 

 

 

Help!!!!

[Guest gdc]

i think i would change the column,

as the welding might be seen at sva and start alarm bells ringing .

a pain but not the worse job on a hood to do.

 

regards graham

[Al Milton]

Last time....

 

Column.doc

[Bob Tucker]

Hi Al

it looks like tghe ally block is just a spacer & that youre right in thinking that the mild steel brackets it the part that takes the load.

Can you just remove the ally block & space out the mild steel bracket?

I dont see any SVA issue with that..

 

HTH Bob

[Al Milton]

Hi,

 

Graham, I take your point about changing the column, but it does appear, as Bob states, (thanks for the clearer and definitive explanation than mine Bob!), that the ally is used as a spacer.

 

Always food for thought, thanks chaps.

 

Cheers

Al

[Guest salty_monk]

If it's just a spacer you could definitely make up a new one. Welding it "shouldn't" be an issue either but you'd have to get it tigged. You could always grind back the weld & paint it - very unlikely to be seen then.

 

Dan

[Al Milton]

Will have a word with the welder at work next year, sorry week, and see if he can TIG it and then dress as Dan suggests.

 

Thanks all for the suggestions.

 

Cheers

Al

[Al Milton]

Welder is off long term sick, so based on the presumption that the crack does indeed appear to be a spacer.

 

I have packed it out with some washers, (both sides to keep it equal), the mild steel is the load bearing part sandwiched through the ally.

 

Column is rock solid.

 

Cheers

Al

[steve in stockport]

Looks like you need a longer bolt now to ensure you have at least two full threads through the nut.

 

Steve

[Al Milton]

Good spot Steve, thanks.

 

Thanks all for your comments.

 

Cheers

Al