[Mgs] Tightening the nut on the left side motor mount

[mgbob at juno.com]

Peter,  I have not found replacement of the engine mount to be a particularly
rewarding experience. While it can be done w/o removing the rack, I think it's
as quick or quicker to remove the rack.  That gives opportunity to drain its
oil and to refill, and also to check the alignment with steering wheel's
shaft.  That alignment should not change, but I have seen a car where it was
way out, yet the steering wheel turned, albeit stiffly.  The alignment tool is
something that can be made in a few minutes on a lathe. It can be plastic,
need not be metal, as all you are trying to do is to get the points to touch.
An alternative, cheaper and faster than making cones, is to wrap a stiff wire
around each shaft, bending the wire so its pointer turns on the extended
center of the shaft without wobbling.    The three bolts on the firewall are
7/16, and having a 12 inch extension for socket wrench access from cabin side
makes the task easier.  Before you slip the rack's shaft out of the universal
joint, use a prick punch to mark its location accurately. This is a
fine-spline assembly; one spline off will be noticeable when you drive the
car. Bob

---------- Original Message ----------
From: Peter Schauss <rpschauss at gmail.com>
To: mgs at autox.team.net
Subject: [Mgs] Tightening the nut on the left side motor mount
Date: Mon, 16 Apr 2012 15:16:44 -0400

On the left (driver's ) side, the steering column runs through the
bracket where the motor mount is supposed be fastened to the body.
This makes it virtually impossible to get the nut started on the stud
which runs into the bottom of the rubber mount.  I have managed to do
this twice before by using an refrigerator magnet to position the nut,
but this time that trick does not seem to work.  Is there any
alternative to removing the steering rack?

If I have to remove the steering rack, where can I get the special
tool that the manual shows for aligning the upper an lower parts of
the column?

Thanks,
Peter Schauss
1980 MGB
_______________________________________________

Mgs at autox.team.net
Donate: http://www.team.net/donate.html
Suggested annual donation  $12.75
Archive: http://www.team.net/archive
Forums: http://www.team.net/forums
Unsubscribe: http://autox.team.net/mailman/options/mgs/mgbob@juno.com