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MG TD TF 1500 - TF Steering Adjusting Shaft

My shaft will come out all the way if I need to pull it, but another fellow want's to adjust his to get the wheel straight and his shaft won't come out all the way. What do you think could be causing the shaft to hang up? PJ
Paul S Jennings

There is supposed to be a key in there to stop the spline from coming totally out.
Part # 327-080 or 327-090.

I would guess your friend has his and you do not.

It comes out through a slot in the bottom of the outer column.

Jim B.
JA Benjamin

It is under the chrome clamp,remove the pinch bolt. Slide the clamp and wheel back turn shaft until key is at the bottom and it will fall out.
Ray TF 2884
Ray Lee

OK, I got it. It's been so long since I had mine apart I forgot about the key. Only had it apart once. Thanks fellas for refreshing this old brain! PJ
Paul S Jennings

I leave the key out. Removing the wheel is my anti-theft device when touring.
Mind you the fly off and lack of lack of effective synchro would put off most of todays youth.
Ray TF 2884
Ray Lee

IMHO, no one should drive a car without that key in position. Imagine an abrupt incident causing the driver to pull back on the steering wheel and have it come of the splines while the car is moving. No thanks. Sorry Ray. Bud
Bud Krueger

Hi Bud,
what you say is probably correct.
I have 40 years ownership and 300,000+ miles,so far so good.
:-)
Ray TF 2884
Ray Lee

I haven't had that key in my steering column for over close to 60 years. I find it convenient to remove the steering wheel when working under the facia. From a safety standpoint, Bud is quite correct but I make sure the steering clamp is done up tight. I've had no problem to this date.

George
George Raham [TD4224]

I'm sure that you folks have it down to a science. My concern is the guy who doesn't know about it. I tend to leave my clamp a bit loose that I can vary the position every now and then. Bud
Bud Krueger

Bud,
Your comments reminded me of an incident whilst driving back from Gutersloh in Germany in 1968. I was going home on leave and my chief requested a ride as far as London.
As we were passing Dortmund on the Autobahn I happened to pull back on the steering wheel and it came off in my hand. A little surprised - I just jammed it back on the splined shaft - but the look on the Chiefs face was priceless :)
Not a lot was said but I pulled over and found the big nut on the end of the shaft had fallen off and was lose inside the center boss. I could not remember how long it had been since I have undone last. But it had been a while.
Now I always double check every nut and bolt I undo.
Chief never did ask for another ride Home :)
Rod Jones

This thread was discussed between 30/09/2014 and 01/10/2014

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