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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Steering Bush (top, felt)

I have a new felt to replace the one fitted to the top bush (non-collapsible column). I am trying to eliminate vertical play and having reinserted the existing bush (right home too) it's still there.

I know the "book" says lubricate with oil. Is that engine oil, thin oil or what? Does it do anymore than act as a lubricant, in which case can anything else be used that is potentially less likely to run down your trouser leg?
Graeme Williams

The WSM says to lubricate with graphite oil.

I got some from Fertan.

http://fertan.co.uk/item-graphite_oil.htm
Dave O'Neill2

I replaced a felt bush at the top of the steering and when I lubricated it with 3 in 1 it swell up and the steering became quite tight (got easier at time went by and it settled in). If yours is dry but too loose try lubricating it and it will tightedn up.
Chris H (1970 Midget 1275)

Chris: the existing one is soaked in oil but still loose. I may have worn although it doesn't look worn. I know it's pushed way down over the taper so it is slightly disconcerting about what is going on. When I turn the wheel, all play in any direction goes. Only in straight ahead do I have vertical play (and only vertical play!)
Graeme Williams

I had to trim a felt bush before I installed it dry and then squirted oil onto it - it worked ok. I don't recall if I ever bothered to remove an old felt bush.

I'd have used whatever new oil was handy - probably 15-50 Mobil 1.
Daniel Stapleton

Graeme
If the old felt is hard to remove, without stripping out the tube, see if it will drift downward and put the new one in on top. Engine oil seems to suffice.
Alan
Alan Anstead

Alan: will it go downwards? When I removed and put the "original" one back, it seemed to reach a hard stop.
I have managed to get it out again. Looking down to the taper, from what I can see it seems worn on the top edge although why that should be I can't understand.
I used "3in1" as the paler colour is nearer the colour of my trousers onto which the excess will drip.
Graeme Williams

Graeme,

I could only put one felt seal in as there was a ridge in the outer tube. I lubricated mine with 20/50
Bob Beaumont

Graeme
Did mine a couple of weeks ago.
Alan
Alan Anstead

I read somewhere that the Austin 1100 nylon bush will also fit as a replacement for the felt. Can anyone confirm that? THe context suggested that this was in relation to the existing felt bush and not the 1500 system which uses a nylon bush anyway.
Graeme Williams


Graeme - have you only got 1 pair of trousers? I'm not coming for tea when they are in the wash!
G Rowles

Gavin: only one pair? Of course not..... but they are all the same colour!
Graeme Williams

I ditched the felt bush and shroud and replaced the top column bracket with this JPS Spridget Fabrications billet aluminium one. It has an oilite bush which just needs a drop of oil every year or so.

John Payne

How doesa that work John? How does the switch gear mount at the top of the column?
Graeme Williams

There isn't any switch gear, I've got a dash switch for the indicators and a separate one for main beam.

John Payne

This thread was discussed between 04/09/2013 and 08/09/2013

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