1968 MG MGCFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE

Steering Column Alignment

  1. Position toe-plate over steering column and place column in vehicle. Insert one packing washer between each of two top column mounting flanges and body brackets. Screw in upper attaching bolts until finger tight. Ensure column is free to move up, down, and sideways.
  2. Screw in three toe-plate bolts until finger tight. Check that lower end of column is free to move and position it centrally in firewall opening.
  3. Place one of two large point gauges of alignment tool (18G 1140) on lower end of column, positioning gauge so that retaining screw tightens onto flat of splines. Install remaining large point gauge to pinion shaft, so that retaining screw tightens onto radial groove of pinion splines.
  4. Check that rack is properly installed and mounting bolts are tightened. Slacken screw on column point gauge and slide gauge down until points are on same plane, but not overlapping. The column and rack are properly aligned when gauge points meet exactly.
    Fig 1: Steering Column Alignment
    G09345850Courtesy of NOT AVAILABLE
  5. Correct any horizontal misalignment by moving lower end of steering column. If vertical misalignment exists, remove rack bolts, add necessary shims between mounting brackets and crossmember, replace and tighten mounting bolts, and recheck vertical alignment. When correct alignment is achieved, rivet shims to mounting bosses through holes provided.
  6. Remove rack assembly. Remove gauges from column and pinion. Check that column is in straight-ahead position, and fit universal joint to splines with pinch-bolt hole aligned with machined flat.
  7. Check that rack is in straight-ahead position, install rack, and fully tighten mounting bolts. Tighten toe-plate bolts and steering column upper mounting bolts.
  8. Measure gap between column upper mounting flange and body bracket at the third bolt position. Fit packing washers to thickness of gap, then install and tighten third mounting bolt. Install both universal joint pinch bolts and tighten as necessary.
Factory Service Tools

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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.

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