PROJECT DESCRIPTION:Replace two stock universal joints and connecting sha�. If you have play in your steering system now, you will �nd this project to be well worthwhile.

ORIGINAL SYSTEM: �e car was designed to use a shortened “early” MGB steering rack and pinion set. �e MG steering ratio is quick and the system is (was) readily available. Aurora shortened the rack housing some number of inches and also cut the input sha� to less than 4 inches long, from the original 12”, or so. �ere are no standard racks that would work on this car. �e basic sha� is almost

” in diameter, but for some reason it’s about 16 thousandths undersize. I’m not sure of the detail, but the sha� was out�tted with a thin bushing over the �rst inch. �e bushing measures to .749” and that’s the mating point for the u-joint. �e sha� end was drilled for a 5/16” bolt as was the u-joint. Both u-joints are “military spec”

This article contributed by an Aurora owner describes in good detail his project to upgrade the steeringlinkage to a more robust alternative which eliminates the “play” and keeps you idriving n the right direction.

Loose and sloppy steering problem? Can’t keep it between the lines?

items, meant for precision, light duty use. �ey are not meant for steering systems as the design is not robust.

December 2012

Safety Alert

Next up the line there’s a light duty 3/4” hollow tube - about 20” long. Again, all it uses for force connection is a 5/16” bolt through the u-joint and sha�. �e upper end of the sha� mates with an MGB steering column/sha�. �is sha� is also hollow, but appears to be made of stronger steel.

On my car (17,000 miles) several of the above mentioned holes became elongated and allowed connection movement so the steering system had “slop” in it. Both u-joints were near the end of their useful life as some “slop” was evident.

DISCUSSION OF A FLAWED DESIGN

As mentioned earlier, original provisions were not robust. Holes through tubes are really not suited to this rigorous use and the u-joints are weak. While the upgrade described herein is not the ultimate and proper design, it o�ers some degree of improvement. �e reader must decide on his/herown whether to use this information.

REASONABLE PATH TO IMPROVE THE SYSTEM: A wholesale replacement of all parts would be preferred, however cost would be high. In my opinion the highest gain for the money comes with replacement of both u-joints and the connecting sha�. �is does retain the steering rack and the throughbolt method of securing a u-joint to a sha�. �e same thoughts apply to the upper steering sha�. I believe the two sha�s are reasonably sound and can remain. Should wear occur they can be replaced in kind. Breakage is a remote possibility. Please bear in mind that I will not be held responsible for failures/problems in other vehicles due to design/parts/ and-or installation �aws.

DESCRIPTION OF CHANGE: Borgeson u-joints (#014964) were selected. �ey come witha 3/4” “DD” bore on the outher end. �e DD geometrydescribes the sha� cross section if one were to place two D’sback to back. �e steering sha� is 3/4” high, 1/2” wide and22” long (Borgeson part #419422). I used plain steel joints and stainless for the sha�. A hole must be drilled through each joint for the ¾” round connection sha� bolt.

�e new DD steering sha� must be cut a little shorter and then has to be drilled with shallow dimpled holes for the joint set screws. None of these tasks are not especially hard to do, but you may want a shop/professional to do this workas accuracy is important. Note the steering column housing connection bolts run in a slot and therefore it is possible toadjust the steering wheel forward or back, a driver’s choice.

AFFILIATED WORK: Now is also the time to refurbish the steering rack. General cleanup, paint, new boots, and lube replacement. Tap out the tie rod ends, remove the four rack bolts and bring the assembly to a work surface. Keep the le� and right sides identi�ed and remove all parts (see an MGB technical thread on details here). Mine was in good shape and it was cleaned, painted, and lubed with grease. �ere are pros and cons to grease vs. 90 weight oil. You decide.

Steering rack input Steering column sha� Newly �tted joint and sha�