1971 MGB GT - Pretty MGs at Enfield Pageant - see page 41

[Peter C]

The MG's steering column was not aligned with the driver's seat and I was certain that this was because I had to set it up like this to enable correct alignment of the upper and lower steering columns, whilst fitting the replacement steering rack.

You can just about see in the photo that the left side of the steering wheel is closer to the driver than the right side.

This has been bugging me for months and today I decided to do something about it.

The alignment of the upper steering column can be adjusted both horizontally and vertically, by loosening two clamps. The process involves removing the centre UJ, re-aligning the steering rack by placing shims (washers) between the rack and the crossmember, fitting two plastic cones on the ends of the upper and lower steering columns where the UJ is usually located and adjusting the upper steering column to get the tips of the cones to align. It sounds complicated but is actually quite easy. I've described the process, with photos, sometime last year. 

I removed the UJ, loosened off the upper steering column clamps and loosened the fixings that secure the steering rack to the crossmember. I wiggled the steering wheel, hoping to align it back into a straight position only to discover that the range of adjustment is miniscule - no more than 5mm, if that.  Evidently, MGB steering columns extend into the cabin at an angle.

I secured the steering rack fixings, aligned the upper and lower steering columns, re-fitted the UJ and tightened up the upper steering column clamps, effectively putting everything back as it was before I started. I was no better or worse off but at least I knew that there was nothing I could do about the misalignment of the steering column. 

I went for a  test drive and everything seemed ok. The steering wheel was centred and the B drove just fine. Until, as I was nearing home and turned into a side road, there was an almighty bang from what felt like the offside front suspension. The B has never done this before. It sounded like metal on metal impact, maybe a spring breaking? I drove home very gingerly, then jacked up the front of the B and removed the front wheels.

There was no sign of any problems. The spring was intact, the droplink and antiroll bar were all fine, I couldn't see anything that could have caused that horrendous sound.

I can't see how loosening off and retightening the steering rack bolts would disturb anything and cause enough slack to allow sufficient movement that would cause any noises. 

I put the wheels back on and went for another drive. Everything was fine, no more noises. 

What had just happened? Answers on a postcard.

 

[Dj_efk]

??

 

[Matty]

On 07/05/2026 at 23:38, vtec-e said:

I had several manual 1300's back in the day and would get around 38-40 mpg (measured by brimming the tank) on a long journey and cruising about 60-65 mph. I also had an auto 1300 estate, but that struggled to get over 30 mpg.

@Peter C following you back around the M25 from Flower Festival 4, we were cruising along at 60-65 according to the Clio's speedo, with the MGB seemingly having plenty in reserve to speed up into a gap for overtaking. At one point we were in the outside lane (lane 4) doing 70 without any problems.

A fair point well made. In anything with a speedometer way past its first flush of youth, id always assume it of pesimism 😄

[colino]

With the suspension jacked up and  loosened off, did the spring wind itself out of its cup and then "pop" back into place?

[Peter C]

19 minutes ago, colino said:

With the suspension jacked up and  loosened off, did the spring wind itself out of its cup and then "pop" back into place?

That’s what I’m hoping for but those springs are in there pretty tight.

[Wibble]

I thought this too 🤞

[Peter C]

I went to the Enfield Pageant today. The autojumble gets worse every year, almost half the stalls are now non-automotive related. All I bought was four jubilee clips and a couple of spare fuel filters.

I did enjoy a skulk around the show cars and marvelled at the wonderful colours that some MGBs (and Cs) came in.

For a moment I thought I saw @HMC’s Roadster…

But he has better taste and wouldn’t be seen dead in an MGB with Minilites. @Wibble - agreed?

[Wibble]

Absolutely agreed mate!

[GeorgeB]

3 hours ago, Peter C said:

 

For a moment I thought I saw @HMC’s Roadster…

But he has better taste and wouldn’t be seen dead in an MGB with Minilites. @Wibble - agreed?

HMC would never mount a boot rack the wrong way round.