Originally posted by P.Kelly
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Chromoly U Joint Steering Shaft!
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Originally posted by brian52555 View PostSorry if this question is really stupid -
but is the shaft underneath the accordion boot user adjustable, lengthwise?Zinno '89 <24v swap in progress>
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Originally posted by brian52555 View PostSorry if this question is really stupid -
but is the shaft underneath the accordion boot user adjustable, lengthwise?
The shaft underneath is actually 2 parts, one half slides inside the other half, so in the event of an impact, it will collapse a few inches before doing any serious damage. Also makes removal and install much easier.
I made my own steering shaft using a single 3/4" DD shaft, non-collapsible, with 3/4" DD joints on each end. Removal/install is virtually impossible, and if I have an impact on the steering rack that moves it, I'm going to have some problems. The collapsible shaft is a good product to have.
Unfortunately, Terry Fair is the one who got Flaming River to make these joints to his specs, exclusively for the shafts they began offering. They did all the leg work, hence their price. Then Flaming River turned around and started selling these joints commercially.
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I'll ask a third time, with more specificity, does it fit the 1990-91+ E30 with an airbag steering shaft?
It's okay to say, "I dont know," but ignoring me is not going to make a sale.The Definitive 1991 M-Technic Thread - a work in progress
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Originally posted by JGood View PostI made my own steering shaft using a single 3/4" DD shaft, non-collapsible, with 3/4" DD joints on each end. Removal/install is virtually impossible, and if I have an impact on the steering rack that moves it, I'm going to have some problems. The collapsible shaft is a good product to have.
I've seen this idea before, mostly when people are talking about replacing the rubber disc in the stock lower joint. The stock collapsible shaft is not the piece we are discussing here, it is number one in this drawing:
The column is designed to collapse in the event of a front end impact at the splined end of the lower half(right where the #1 is pointing to), sliding into the upper tube. That's why the large nut is in the middle of the assembly. The stock lower joint (#2) assembly is not designed to collapse. The rubber disc is not where it collapses! The piece that is for sale here replaces #2.
Again, this is for an airbag car, but looking at the stock lower joint for a pre airbag car, it doesn't look like it has collapsibility built into it either. I'd have to pull an early column apart to verify, but I'm betting it's the same in practice.
Sorry to go on a tangent, but I believe it's important to see how these things are designed to work.
Interesting about the U-joints though...but it sounds like it's Flaming River's deal. If they're for sale...1973 Bavaria
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Originally posted by Brian D View PostPreface this by saying that I know the following is true for an airbag steering column, but I'm not sure about the pre airbag column.
I've seen this idea before, mostly when people are talking about replacing the rubber disc in the stock lower joint. The stock collapsible shaft is not the piece we are discussing here, it is number one in this drawing:
The column is designed to collapse in the event of a front end impact at the splined end of the lower half(right where the #1 is pointing to), sliding into the upper tube. That's why the large nut is in the middle of the assembly. The stock lower joint (#2) assembly is not designed to collapse. The rubber disc is not where it collapses! The piece that is for sale here replaces #2.
Again, this is for an airbag car, but looking at the stock lower joint for a pre airbag car, it doesn't look like it has collapsibility built into it either. I'd have to pull an early column apart to verify, but I'm betting it's the same in practice.
Sorry to go on a tangent, but I believe it's important to see how these things are designed to work.
I *think* the early models don't have that collapsing column, but instead the shafts have pins in the knuckles that are designed to break free, collapse, and still allow for steering control after an impact. Both of my e30's are early models, I've never messed with an airbag car. So it seems as though you'd be OK without a collapsing shaft on an airbag car, as long as you don't mind the serious PITA of removal/installation.
Originally posted by Brian D View PostInteresting about the U-joints though...but it sounds like it's Flaming River's deal. If they're for sale...
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^^ God points above. I beleive that you are correct that the collapability on the airbag car is above the u joints in the shaft as diagramed two posts above, so in theory this assembly should work just fine.
In practice... Want to send me one at cost and I'll test it and post up an airbag car install how-to for you?The Definitive 1991 M-Technic Thread - a work in progress
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Originally posted by P.Kelly View Post^^ God points above. I beleive that you are correct that the collapability on the airbag car is above the u joints in the shaft as diagramed two posts above, so in theory this assembly should work just fine.
In practice... Want to send me one at cost and I'll test it and post up an airbag car install how-to for you?2006 GMC Sierra 2500HD 4WD LBZ/Allison
2002 BMW M3 Alpinweiß/Black
1999 323i GTS2 Alpinweiß
1995 M3 Dakargelb/Black - S50B32/S6S420G/3.91
1990 325is Brilliantrot/Tan
1989 M3 Alpinweiß/Black
Hers: 1996 Porsche 911 Turbo Black/Black
Hers: 1988 325iX Coupe Diamantschwartz/Black 5spd
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Originally posted by P.Kelly View PostI'll ask a third time, with more specificity, does it fit the 1990-91+ E30 with an airbag steering shaft?
It's okay to say, "I dont know," but ignoring me is not going to make a sale.
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