Series steering assembly off centre

[Cap]

I had a google search for this issue but nothing came up specifically with the answer I need. When I sit on the drivers seat, I noticed that the steering wheel is very much to the left side. I then stood in front of the S2a (no guards on) and noticed that the whole assembly is crooked when compared to the pedal towers. The only reason I can think of is that the bulkhead brackets (specifically the one that holds the bulkhead and the steering box) is somehow bent, but looks to be undamaged.

Question is, how can I fix this? I was thinking perhaps to unbolt the steering box from the bracket, then maybe use washers as spacers on the upper bolts to pull the steering straight, but then this may mean that the steering shaft if offset to the bulkhead hole.

Any suggestions on a fix?

[JDNSW]

Not quite clear what your issue is (pictures?) - but note that the instructions suggest washers may be needed to attach the angled bracket to the bulkhead, which may be your issue. Do not assemble it so there is any strain on the steering column.

[67hardtop]

I had a google search for this issue but nothing came up specifically with the answer I need. When I sit on the drivers seat, I noticed that the steering wheel is very much to the left side. I then stood in front of the S2a (no guards on) and noticed that the whole assembly is crooked when compared to the pedal towers. The only reason I can think of is that the bulkhead brackets (specifically the one that holds the bulkhead and the steering box) is somehow bent, but looks to be undamaged.

Question is, how can I fix this? I was thinking perhaps to unbolt the steering box from the bracket, then maybe use washers as spacers on the upper bolts to pull the steering straight, but then this may mean that the steering shaft if offset to the bulkhead hole.

Any suggestions on a fix?Take some pics. Its better to see whats wrong than trying to guess by description[emoji106]

[Cap]

ok, a quick vid as pics were not cutting it. I used a ruler as a gauge so hope you can see how badly off it is. Can believe i didnt see it before hand.


https://youtu.be/1UXriwy7zas

[JDNSW]

So the issue is that it is at an angle to the left?

When I look at mine, I find it is also at a slight angle! I suspect that this is an inevitable consequence of manufacturing tolerances, particularly in where the firewall ends up sideways-relative to the side of the chassis that the steering box support is bolted to. This may be affected by either chassis or bulkhead repairs.

[Cap]

I wouldnt mind a slight off centre but this is too much. So is there a way to resolve eg using spacers or perhaps even removing the support bracket and twist it (try to!) so that it compensates?

[JDNSW]

I would start by looking at the support bracket and the bulkhead for any distortion. Most of the attachments have some holes slotted, but I'm not sure this allows enogh movement, or in the right direction.

The sideways angle of the steering box is set by the support bracket (the bit that bolts to the chassis, the stiffener bracket (the bracket that bolts to the firewall or bulkhead) and the steering column clamp inside the cab.

In your case you want to move the steering box inboard if I have it right. To do this you will probably have to slot the bolt holes in the firewall for the stiffener bracket and possibly shim the attachment of the support bracket to the chassis so it leans in a little. The steering column clamp can hardly be moved, as it has to match the hole in the firewall. Just be careful to not stress the steering column. A bit of a spring sideways on the support bracket is not a problem.

[Cap]

Thanks. upon looking at the book it seems like that bracket is the culprit. never thought to check it but will do now. I have a spare one too that ill compare with. I wont put any pressure on the column which means it has to be right at the box.

[B.S.F.]

You may have a Series 1 support bracket fitted, which has got an offset. Series 2 brackets are straight.
.W.

[Cap]

So I went ahead and pulled the bracket off the rover (PITA with steering still in place but dooable) and the design has a manufactured bend in it so that it does twist the top half (both sides towards the inside of the car). Basically this means I m locked into that position which is really annoying.

Can someone confirm that this is the actual design for the early series 2a? I have the same bracket from my 109 1967 so I figure its correct or someone has changed it in the past (highly unlikely).

If its the design then ill just have to adjust and live with it. Any confirmation greatly appreciated.

Cheers,

[gromit]

Any confirmation greatly appreciated.

Cheers,

Just to confirm, you are talking about the bracket that mounts the steering box to the chassis ?

If so, my IIa is straight and so is a spare I found (probably from a Series III).
The parts manual lists 2 types but this relates to the bolts into the steering box (5/16" or 3/8").

I don't have a vehicle stripped down enough to show the position of the steering column but they all look reasonably central.


Colin

[gromit]

Any confirmation greatly appreciated.

Cheers,

As B.S.F. mentioned the Series I bracket has a bend.

https://www.bits4landys.co.uk/index_htm_files/landrover_270064@2x.jpg

Just checked my Series IIa and a spare and they are all flat like the one below.

https://www.bits4landys.co.uk/index_htm_files/277294@2x.jpg



Colin

[B.S.F.]

Looking at a drawing in a S2/3 workshop manual, looking from above, the steering column is not parallel to the chassis.
.W.

[Cap]

Yes the bracket that holds the box/bulkhead to the chassis as pictured above.

The bend I refer to is not at the top, but more where the slotted hole part way through the middle is. This manufactured bend then makes the top half of the bracket twist so that its NOT parallel to the chassis. If I look at the bracket from the top down, I can see the top face where the box box bolts to isnt the same plane as the face the chassis is bolted to.

Looks to me that this is the original design, why they have the box at an angle (off centre) is not clear to me, particularly when thinking about the stresses the steering arm will place on the bracket/bulkhead etc as the arm moves laterally also when moving forward/backwards.

Looks like Ill have to bolt her back up and live with the offset steering wheel...

[1950landy]

Just a thought , Rover may have done this to make it easier for larger people (like me) to get in & out of the vehicle.

[bemm52]

A few pictures of mine if it helps................. my column seems parallel to pedal boxes

148447 148448


Bracket does have slight twist 148449

Cheers Paul

[Cap]

Interesting pics, so yours does also have that twist in the bracket but still runs parallel... is it possible for you to take a photo of the bracket against the chassis? I would of thought the chassis was running parallel to the steering column so the twist in the bracket must be taken up somewhere?

[bemm52]

148450 148451

View from underneath......maybe time to check steering box oil level (note to self) [bighmmm][bighmmm]

Cheers Paul

[Cap]

Thanks Paul. This is really doing my head in, just cant figure out how yours aligns straight with a twist in the bracket! I can see any shims from your pics that would re-align the box either...

[B.S.F.]

After doing a bit of reading on the net I found out that S1, 2, 2A and 3 all use different brackets. No idea what the differences are.
.W.

[1950landy]

Is it posable the bulkhead is mountes off to one side of the chassis. On my 80" there are shim plates between the bulkhead & chassis .

[bemm52]

Carlos have found a few more and clearer build photos that may help you, seems odd what's happening to you, was column central before you disassembled vehicle?


148454 148455 148456 148457 148458 148459

2a 1966

Cheers Paul

[Cap]

Thanks for the pics Paul. I looked through my photos and couldnt find one that had a closeup of the towers and column. Ill be having a closer look at a mates series tomorrow and see if i can find anything different.

[bemm52]

something on Fleabay that will help you focus on your rebuild

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Land-Rover-Series-2A-SWB-88-inch-1970-Restored/233130698524'ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649

Bidding started at $99 and there is still 7 days to go[thumbsupbig][thumbsupbig]

Cheers Paul

[Cap]

lol, at least mines got the smith's heater :P

[Cap]

Here is another exqmple of the column thta appears to be off parallel. Still cannot workout why this is the design unless there are other brackets but i havent found any others aside from S1 and then S2/2a/3.

https://atko.org/pix/2011-07-21%20(2).jpg?v=2

[Cap]

Just an update, i decided to just put it all back together and align as best as possible. Given my other contacts here have same setup ill leave as a 'friday afternoon beer fest by engineers' design.

[Busted Syncro]

G'day Carlos,

Just checked my 1966 2a swb hardtop. I have a straight steering box mounting bracket as original build.
The steering column is offset facing inwards towards the centre of the vehicle. The steering wheel column inside the vehicle is in the centre of the drivers seat.
My conclusion is the offset is required so the steering wheel is on the centre line of the seat. (Our 1976 mini clubman has a similar offset.) This makes for (tongue in cheek) a comfortable driving position.
I like this thread.!!
Chris

[JDNSW]

I think that is probably right - and the design called for the steering box to mount on the same plane as the outside of the chassis. Series 1 is probably at a slightly different angle, as the cab is narrower (slightly).

[bemm52]

Cap had a few spare minutes today so I looked again at my steering column........ it would seem my column is indeed canted towards the left but not as much as yours in the video, I'm wondering if perhaps your bulkhead is twisted or warped on top where column bracket is, do the doors fit OK?

148530 this picture seems to agree with centring wheel over seat theory, which makes a lot of sense to me

Cheers Paul

[Cap]

Thanks all for the confirmation, I can now feel at ease driving down the road thinking its correct and that I shouldnt be in the centre seat! Now that I have put it all back, for some reason its not as bad as before. How can this happen I dont know given the fixed angle of the bracket. I also suspect it looks worse without the front guard as looking at the front wheel may give an illusion of it being more off centre than it is.

Now I got to deal with a leaky clutch master pipe (from reservoir) leak at the threads :S

[67hardtop]

Thanks all for the confirmation, I can now feel at ease driving down the road thinking its correct and that I shouldnt be in the centre seat! Now that I have put it all back, for some reason its not as bad as before. How can this happen I dont know given the fixed angle of the bracket. I also suspect it looks worse without the front guard as looking at the front wheel may give an illusion of it being more off centre than it is.

Now I got to deal with a leaky clutch master pipe (from reservoir) leak at the threads :SIve just this moment gone out to look at my s2a Betsy. The firewall brackets havent been touched on it and they both have a slight angle inwards to the rear which would support the theory that the column is angled slightly inwards. See pics. Ive left these brackets in place so when i refit the firewall it will give me a place to start when aligning it up with the doorshttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190218/ddb6222a299785e8cc274c6d4c4e13e5.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190218/4e3b7f0a16cf6f2a8febfb86806d124d.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190218/d2af9cae994a25c30d1cca08d963ad92.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190218/11f2e3d22ad7eb69b38752f2122962ee.jpg