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Swapping Steering Column - Help!
https://www.ausmini.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=39397		 Page 1 of 2
Author:  RyanL [ Tue Feb 19, 2008 8:54 am ]
Post subject:  Swapping Steering Column - Help!
Hi All,

I've been struggling for the last 18 months with my Mini's short steering column hitting my knees, so I've picked up a longer column from an 850, and I'm going to have a go at fitting it myself.

I haven't looked too closely, but it seems to me to be fairly simple. Is there anything in particular that I need to look out for? I'm hoping to tackle this tonight, so any help would be great. From what I can see, I think it would go kinda like this:

- Remove steering wheel
- Remove indicator switch cover and indicator switch
- Remove bolt at the base of the column between the pedals where the column attaches to the steering rack
- Unbolt hanger that connects the column to the dash
- Remove column.

Am I on the right track here? Then to install the new one I just follow the same process in reverse, right? If I could get a run down on what to expect when I pull things apart, that would be good. To me it seems a bit simple, so minor details and things to make sure of when I put the new one in would be very helpful! Cheers.
Author:  headgasket [ Tue Feb 19, 2008 10:13 am ]
Post subject: 
Does the new column come attached with a new ignition barrel? I couldn't figure out how to remove that..
Author:  Mini Mad [ Tue Feb 19, 2008 10:23 am ]
Post subject: 
That's pretty much it..

you can't remove the barrel..well easily. Just swap the column with the sleeve..

I've never had a problem hitting my knees, does your column have a lowering bracket and is it adjusted real low? Might be worth checking..

If you do adjust the angle there are four bolts (2 on each side) that hold the rack in place. you need to looses these u-bolts to reposition that rack and then retighten.
Author:  RyanL [ Tue Feb 19, 2008 10:29 am ]
Post subject: 
No need to worry about the ignition, mine is in the centre not on the column.

The column didn't hit my knees until I put some new seats in a while ago. It's not actually hitting them, it's just not the best driving position. There's no lowering bracket.

Should I be greasing the column inside the sleeve at all? Any precautions to take when attaching the column to the rack to keep the splines in tact? Any special tricks to it at all?
Author:  drmini in aust [ Tue Feb 19, 2008 10:32 am ]
Post subject: 
Make sure that there is a gap still there where the bolt clamps it to the rack. If not, run a cutting disc through there before fitting.
Check the splines in the end of that column too. If worn away, find a better one.
Author:  RyanL [ Tue Feb 19, 2008 12:06 pm ]
Post subject: 
Ok, good tip. Thanks. The splines in the column look pretty good, I'm happy with them. I haven't really got anything to compare them with, though. Does someone have a photo of the splines on a 'perfect' column?
Author:  drmini in aust [ Tue Feb 19, 2008 1:35 pm ]
Post subject: 
When they get well worn, there are NO splines left there in the column... :shock: :wink:
Author:  Mini Mad [ Tue Feb 19, 2008 1:49 pm ]
Post subject: 
The early ones seem fine - it's the later clubby ones that seem to strip :shock:

While it's out make sure you have the bush that goes down the bottom - either plastic or felt.
Author:  Mick [ Tue Feb 19, 2008 2:03 pm ]
Post subject: 
Were there different length columns? I thought they were the same length??
Author:  Tspeed Jem [ Tue Feb 19, 2008 2:14 pm ]
Post subject: 
Mick wrote:
Were there different length columns? I thought they were the same length??

Sure are. I don't know what lengths came in what model but I managed to aquire a longer columb somewere that enables clearance for my knees when heel/toeing.
Author:  RyanL [ Tue Feb 19, 2008 3:26 pm ]
Post subject: 
Mini Mad wrote:
While it's out make sure you have the bush that goes down the bottom - either plastic or felt.


Oo.. I don't have the bush. Is it safe to reuse the one that is (hopefully) already there after I take out the old column?

There are different length columns, yes. The ones from the 850's (early Minis) are about 2" longer then the newer ones. Roundnoses that is, I don't know about Clubbies.
Author:  LS1380 [ Tue Feb 19, 2008 7:25 pm ]
Post subject: 
Hope I'm not too late for a couple of hints :)
Make sure the steering wheel is straight ahead before you remove it.
Make sure you loosen the nut on the steering wheel,and leave it on a few threads,so as you don't knock your teeth out when you remove the steering wheel :shock:
Make sure you align the bolt up at the bottom of the spline.
Author:  64cooper [ Tue Feb 19, 2008 7:25 pm ]
Post subject: 
I discovered a few weeks back that there are also different length columns in the clubbies :oops: Maybe because my clubbie is an import.
Author:  RyanL [ Tue Feb 19, 2008 10:22 pm ]
Post subject: 
I've finished the swap relatively painlessly. It feels much, much better in terms of driving position. The problem I now have, is getting the indicator switch cover over my indicator swtich. It seems to be impossible due to the size of my switch. I might end up having to use the old one off the shorter column.
Author:  miniDave [ Wed Feb 20, 2008 6:14 am ]
Post subject: 
I have just had to remove a clubman column and put back an original mk 1 column in my 65 deluxe.

The clubman one is solid and needs different indicator stalk with horn on end. The mk 1 is hollow and allows horn button on wheel to be used. Also the mk 1 shroud is longer and mounts with different holes - so if you change the column then you may also need:

Mk 1 indicator switch (available new)
Mk 1 plastic shroud (available new)
Steering wheel with horn button
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