Quick Release Steering Column play

[CtrMint]

Morning All,

Over the 5000 miles I've done in my 420R I've fitted 2 top steering columns and also quick release bosses, the reason, trying to dial out rotational play.  Having driven the 420 last weekend, which was the first time for a while, I've been driving the 620, it reminded me of how distracting I find it.

This morning I've once again checked all the clamps etc, and concluded the play is present in the splines on the boss and not the column clamp etc.  To test this, I added a reasonable amount of high pressure grease to the female side of the steering boss.  Sure enough it's removed the play, so in my head, that supports the conclusion that the play is in the column/boss interface.  I fitted the wheel from the 620 which is better on play, and the same play was present, so I'm working on the issue being on the column side,

Having replaced my kit original, and seemingly suffered the same issue with the replacement, I'm wondering if I'm chasing perfection?  Would love to hear general opinions on this.

Having grease on the end of the column isn't great for clothing, of course I can leave the steering wheel in situ, but it is handy to remove for security and ingress/egress.

Is there a better product on the market which doesn't require welding?  Do I even try a 3rd CC column?

Cheers

 

[SM25T]

The Rapfix QR unit is fab. No more play, as location by spring loaded balls, not splines. Believe you can buy it already welded to an upper column.

[Wrightpayne]

Lots in the archives if you search, quite common observation. One of the fixes involved centre punching some of the column splines to spread them a bit.

I looked up the MOT guidelines on steering wheel play. I cannot remember the exact figure but was surprised by how much is permissible - my seven QR wheel was well within tolerance. 
 

I only notice it when fitting the wheel, giving it a wriggle and a tug to ensure I've located it fully. Once driving I'm oblivious to the (minor) play.

[aerobod - near CYYC]

Hi Mark, instead of grease I use a three strips of 19mm plumbing PTFE tape to remove the play. Just drape over the end of the shaft and down the splines. Once the wheel has been fitted the tape stays in place in the splines for several removals. I normally put new pieces on before each track day or longer road trip. Looks like 12mm is a more common UK size, so 4 or 5 strips would be needed: https://www.screwfix.com/c/heating-plumbing/ptfe-tape/cat13500002

[CtrMint]

Thanks All for the comments. 

Having driven the 420R this morning for a couple of hours I can confirm the grease is only a temp fix, while it addressed the play after initial application, it clearly spreads out over time and then offers no improvement. 

I only notice it when fitting the wheel, giving it a wriggle and a tug to ensure I've located it fully. Once driving I'm oblivious to the (minor) play.

Totally agree with you there, mine is the same, I don't believe it's noticeable when driving, but still feel compelled to improve it.  I guess my compulsion to make sure everything is spot on, plus the play on the 620R seems less, so I know it should be better.

James your idea of PTFE seems interesting, if again a slightly longer temp fix. I take it there's no risk of broken down PTFE tape interfering with the lock mechanism making engagement difficult or even unsafe, eek.

SM25T Thanks for the recommendation, will have a look. 

 

[aerobod - near CYYC]

Hi Mark, I haven't had any issue with the PTFE tape jamming anything, it tends to be pushed into the troughs of the splines on the end of the column. I tear off strips that are just long enough to be the length of the splines on one side, over the end of the column, then down the splines the other side. When it becomes stringy, I just pull it off and replace it.

[Shortshift]

Have always used the occasional centre-punch method.  Works for quite a while and when the effect does reduce, simply rinse and repeat.

James

[MTW]

 

I had the same issue with the original life line, I changed to the "go race" QR system, which comes with the full upper column for Caterham attached, so it's really simple to fit. It's a ball bearing type of engagement rather than the spline type that can wear out. 

https://www.go-race.co.uk/product-page/caterham-column-with-quick-release-boss

im really happy with it! 
 

 

 

[Guy Lowe]

I have recently replaced my Lifeline with the GO RACE unit which uses spring loaded balls instead of splines, absolutely no play whatsoever & it self locates which save's having to centre the wheel before removing. I'm very pleased with it and the price is very reasonable as they extend a discount to Club members.

[CtrMint]

Does anyone know the UK legalities of the QR systems for road use.

I've been looking at the Rapfix QR offering and noticed Simon at Meteor has put Usage：For racing cars only in the description.  I should probably give Simon a ring.  I wonder if the GO Race is applicable for road use. 

Cheers