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Aug 24th, 2023
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Joined: Feb 2017
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New to Talk Morgan
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OP
New to Talk Morgan
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 16 |
Hi all
Firstly I have found these forums a very useful source of info.
My first post here!! - I have tried to search for the answer to this but haven't been successful!!
Following the recent passing of an uncle I volunteered to my aunt to sort out his classic cars in order to MOT and sell them. One of them is is a 1976 Morgan 4/4. The car hasn't been on the road for between 25 and 30 years so I had a few issues, mainly brake issues to sort in order to get it ready for MOT. It is now MOT'd, however I am concerned about the steering. I believe I have a Bishop Cams steering box (but could be wrong), which from researching seems not the best one to have!!!!
The issue I have is "steering play" - there is a lot of it maybe an inch or more in each direction. When I adjust the top screw to remove the play, the steering gets a tight spot just near the straight ahead / centre location of the wheel. Even with just a little tightness I get a lot of play in the steering. Not at all nice to drive.
I have searched for solutions but haven't been able to find anything other than at gomog. My questions are:
1. Is this amount of play normal for this box? There is only 20k miles on it.
2. Are worn parts in the box likely to be the problem?
3. Is there a cheapish replacement for the box or even a refurb kit?
4. Do any of you know anyone in Northern Ireland that could provide the parts / recondition the unit?
I attach a couple of pics of the box for info.
Many thanks
Last edited by TalkMorgan; 28/02/17 09:36 AM.
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Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 130 Likes: 2
L - Learner Plates On
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L - Learner Plates On
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 130 Likes: 2 |
You have adjusted the steering box correctly, so you may well have achieved the best setting/performance. It's difficult to be certain without seeing the car. I assume that the drop arm is a tight fit on the splines and that all four drag link and track rod ends have no play. New ones are available on ebay for about £30 + P&P. The only other area that can wear is the bronze bush in the steering box. You can test this by disconnecting the drag link from the drop arm and pulling the drop arm to feel any play in the output shaft. Rebuilding is about £500, so it's a last resort.
Tony
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Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 16
New to Talk Morgan
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OP
New to Talk Morgan
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 16 |
Tony - Many thanks for your response.
I should have added that I had disconnected all steering arms from the drop arm to ensure that the stiffness wasn't coming from the kingpins. The drop arm has a tight fit on the splines. You have confirmed my worst fears. Now it looks as though I need to find a local garage that can refurb it - but that in itself is a big problem!
Thanks
Colin
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Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 1,576 Likes: 103
Talk Morgan Enthusiast
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Talk Morgan Enthusiast
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 1,576 Likes: 103 |
Contact Terry Foxen at GEE, he rebuilds these steering boxes and may have one available on an exchange basis.
I'd think about changing those brake hoses, they look past their best
Arwyn
Last edited by Arwyn Williams; 21/02/17 11:40 PM.
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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,396 Likes: 14
Talk Morgan Expert
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Talk Morgan Expert
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,396 Likes: 14 |
1969 4/4
1995 plus 8
2002 Aero S1
2013 M3W
2014 Plus 8
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 26,748 Likes: 419
Member of the Inner Circle
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Member of the Inner Circle
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 26,748 Likes: 419 |
Would love to see pictures of the car itself & the rest of your Uncle's collection
JohnV6
2022 CX Plus Four
2025 MG ZS EV aka Trigger
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Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 130 Likes: 2
L - Learner Plates On
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L - Learner Plates On
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 130 Likes: 2 |
It's highly unlikely that local garage will have the expertise to rebuild the steering box. It may well need a new worm gear or at least a better secondhand one. Really, Terry Foxen at GEE Ltd, Nailsworth, Gloucestershire is your best bet. He did a box for me on a 59 Plus 4 and it was excellent (or at least as good as a Cam Gears box is ever likely to get). I wouldn't go to anyone else other than Terry - no commercial connection with him.
Tony
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Joined: Apr 2014
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Charter Member
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Charter Member
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 5,181 Likes: 2 |
I would not expect exessive wear at that sort of mileage.
.+8 Now gone for a 1800 4/4. Duratec in bright yellow.
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 26,748 Likes: 419
Member of the Inner Circle
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Member of the Inner Circle
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 26,748 Likes: 419 |
JohnV6
2022 CX Plus Four
2025 MG ZS EV aka Trigger
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,036
Has a lot to Say!
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Has a lot to Say!
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,036 |
I would not expect exessive wear at that sort of mileage. Ray, neither would I expect excessive wear at the mileage. It's possible that the car has been curbed and as the Cam Gears box is not the strongest of boxes, it is possible that the peg (worm & peg design) has been damaged thus introducing excessive play. The Cam Gears box is not a complicated item and is easy to inspect the internals without removing the box from the car. The top plate has three set screws securing it. The end plate with four set screws retains the shims that control end-float. The large set screw and locking nut adjust the contact between the worm and the peg. Removing the top plate will not cause the box's contents to behave like a jack-in-a-box. Just ensure that the area is clean before opening the box.
Last edited by Cheshire_David; 22/02/17 11:36 AM.
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