Thread: Walter the Dormobile

Spent yesterday taking out the steering box.
Managed to do the job with the wing (mudguard) in place, fiddley but possible.

My modified Pitman arm puller came in handy and a long breaker bar to undo the nut.

Everything was very oily, looks like the O-ring seal failed some time back so most of the oil fell out, luckily a small amount remained inside to provide a degree of lubrication and rust prevention.
The O-ring broke into pieces when I removed it, not sure if it was the original but it was certainly very old.

I had a spare steering column in stock so I compared the two, Walter's one was no worse than the spare so both got new O-rings and side cover gaskets.
Column & box now repainted, mud shields & steering box cover need de-rusting & painting then a fiddley reassembly job.

I noticed that the swivel hub seals are leaking so looks like it will be a while before Walter is mobile again.


Colin

Had some good weather at the weekend but I went to the Lake Goldsmith (steam) rally Saturday and spent most of Sunday in the garden.

I'm working in an open sided shed so the weather needs to be good for me to be down there working on Walter.

Parts overhauled & painted ready to be re-assembled.

DSCN3463 by Colin Radley, on Flickr

I must take out the clutch slave cylinder to re-seal it and replace the flexible hose. Then it will be the rest of the steering component including the relay.


Colin

That radiator looks similar to the one in my 109" fc.

Pedal boxes & steering column went back in a few weeks ago.
I made a new foam seal where the column goes through the bulkhead because the original had decomposed.

DSCN3530 by Colin Radley, on Flickr

Last week I lifted the floor and transmission tunnel to make overhaul of the clutch slave cylinder easier, also replaced the flexible hose.

DSCN3532 by Colin Radley, on Flickr

Today I decided to remove the steering arms to check the track rod ends and replace the boots. Bit of mucking around to get access but eventually removed them.

Unfortunately I found that one of the swivels has badly pitted chrome (I'll take a guess that all the oil has escaped from the swivel hub).

DSCN3531 by Colin Radley, on Flickr

I'll be on the lookout for either a replacement axle or at least a more serviceable swivel.....


Colin

Just managed to cross one item off the shopping list.

DSCN3552 by Colin Radley, on Flickr

A few parts missing and some alloy welding needed but all the big bits are there.


Colin

What is it?

Originally Posted by crackers

What is it?

It's one of these

DSCN2368 by Colin Radley, on Flickr




A capstan winch.


Colin

Thought it might have been - the drum reminded me of one of those things you tie boats up to.

Have fun. Personally, I don't plan to get stuck... but I own a Series 1, not one of those JohnnyComeLatelies