Sorry don't want to sound like a knocker, but this is a serious safety issue.

If there is NO gap, the splines have gone. Put another coulmn in it.

<EDIT> Somewhere I have a BMC Service Bulletin that coves this and why it appears that the column still has spines and why they should NOT be 're-gapped' and reused. The width of the original gap is a wear limit indicator. I'll dig it out and post it up.

_________________

GT - I see your point... but I understood what Kev meant too... he just didnt write the little details.

If the spline is FINE, and no gap (for ANY reason) - its possible... then cut a groove, if the spline is stuffed - well, new column it is.

Ill be pulling it apart tomorrow and will update with pics too!

Pete

_________________

Click here for the Turbo Conversion Thread!

IMO it's the spline gone- it would spin right around except you probably have a Clubby rack with the slot (not a groove) cut in the pinion, so it just moves to and for.
Like GT m says, if the spline in the column is rooted, bin it..

_________________
DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

Kev, which steering columns fit? Do Rover ones fit? I wouldnt mind changing the whole lot including the shroud, blinker assembly, etc.

Pete

_________________

Click here for the Turbo Conversion Thread!

Not always.

Check the splines if they are still ok and there is no gap then run the cutting disc down the slot.
If the splines are stuffed fit a new column.

You could fit a Rover one but I don't know what the length and detail differences are.
Bottom spline is the same really.
I may have a spare Clubby shaft here, will check tomorrow.

_________________
DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

Any mini column will fit, all are easy except for when the column wiring doesn't match the car loom.

Ok, spline on the steering column - what spline? Unbelievable! Absolutely no spline left! It was fine fine fine until a few days ago and then NOTHING - well, I was lucky is the truth!

So, replaced the column and its sweet as. While I was there, I undid the rack and re-aligned it with the column...

Pete

_________________

Click here for the Turbo Conversion Thread!

Pity we cannot buy new Oz steering column shafts.

Mini King has new old stock unmachined Leyland forgings for the lower clamp lugs, however I cannot find anybody who has a pull-type broach to machine the splines:
9/16” SAE std spline, 36 serrations, 45deg straight.

I did get a price to CNC machine these from bar stock and then wire cut the splines, but it was too expensive to do a limited quantity.

_________________
DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

Funny exactly what happened to me. PO lowered column ... splines went so replaced column & put back to original settings. sweet as.

Good to hear all is sorted.

_________________
PrOuDlY aSkInG qUeStIoNs FoR uR aMuEsMeNt

I don't know what a pull-type broach is for machining the splines, but the shaft is fairly soft compared to the pinion yes? Could you not use a vice to hold the clamp tight whilst you drive a pinion into it, which would re-spline it?

It's 'soft', but not that soft.
You'd end up with a pretty shitty self-made spline

They definitely need to be a machined spline, for fitment and longevity!

Maybe i should ask if you have actually done it and if so what were your thoughts

No I have never done it because it's a pretty nonsense thing to do; especially for a part that is so important in terms of safety.
Who is to say when you are driving the pinion in it, there is not a slight rotation and you're damaging the spline you 'cut'.
The highs on this spline would also be quite weak as you've essentially just smashed the metal around it - there is no integral strength as there would be with a machined cut.

To cut a new spline, you need a new forging for the bottom of the column. These were splined almost right through, as the shaft has a spline too. The forging was then welded to the shaft on assembly by BMC to stop it coming off.
The spline is a precision fit, it has to be machined, or wire cut by a toolroom.
So, it's not a real easy fix. The main problem is that although new forgings exist, they are unmachined.

_________________
DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.