andydavy Posted January 20, 2019 Share Posted January 20, 2019 I hve a lot of play in my lifeline Q/R steering wheel boss. Is there any way to tighten it up or do I have to buy complete set up with top of steering column? Any help much appreciated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Comp Sec Posted January 20, 2019 Share Posted January 20, 2019 Play can either be on the splines on the Shaft or on the Boss.Do you know anyone with the a LifeLine Q/R which you can try each others steerwheel on to see if the shaft and/or steering wheel needs replacing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SM25T Posted January 20, 2019 Share Posted January 20, 2019 I got fed up with fighting the free play on splined QR wheel .... using a thick grease and centre-punching the middle of the raised splines to spread then a little. Changed to a Rapfix QR unit .... so much better. No play as it has balls that are sprung into holes, rather than splines. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aerobod - near CYYC Posted January 20, 2019 Share Posted January 20, 2019 Depending whether you remove the wheel every time you get in and out of the car, or only when the roof is on, PTFE plumbing tape works well to remove slack. 4 pieces draped across the top of the shaft in 45 degree increments is what I use, but I generally get in and out of the car without removing the wheel, as I hardly have the roof on, relying on the tonneau most of the time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nickh7 Posted January 20, 2019 Share Posted January 20, 2019 I competitor in the Sprint series last year had the wheel come off in his hand and had a big one . That was down to worn QR system, I’d not risk it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wrightpayne Posted January 20, 2019 Share Posted January 20, 2019 Mine has a bit of slack only noticeable when I pinch the steering wheel and wobble it. Dont notice it when driving.MOT rules allow for 13mm free movement on a 380mm steering wheel.only time my wheel has come off is when I didnt fit it on properly! Ian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CaterBram Posted January 20, 2019 Share Posted January 20, 2019 to be accurate it was a club member competing in another series at an event we were at.The steering wheel failed to latch fully due to wear and came off on a high speed corner.......Nasty impact that thankfully he was unharmed, however to echo Nicks comment, its not worth the risk relying on simple "fixes"Personnally I run the Rapfix, which seems substantially more solid in engagement and if it does ware seems to fail to safe and becomes more difficult to get off rather than becoming loose. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bricol Posted January 20, 2019 Share Posted January 20, 2019 Caterham quick release retention is balls into grooves - and the only time mine came close to coming off was when I hadn't realised the guy sat in it at a club night trial making Brrm-brrm noises hadn't put it two clicks on down the column when he got out . . . I climb out of competition car and into the Caterham . . ' enjoying myself on the twisties going home when I very quickly realised something wasn't quite right . . .Play in the anti-rotation splines is another matter - I can feel a ting amount of play in mine after 18 yrs, but not enough to notice when driving. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aerobod - near CYYC Posted January 21, 2019 Share Posted January 21, 2019 I’ve had people who I’ve let sit in the car only push it to the first lock. Before I get in the car I’ve got into the habit of pushing on the boss with my palm to ensure it is fully seated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wrightpayne Posted January 21, 2019 Share Posted January 21, 2019 Mine is 21 years old and the lock mechanism is fine. Like Aerobod, mine can appear to be fitted at the first click where it can come off.I push it on so it clunks (column hitting back of momo) and always give it a pull to ensure its locked.RegardsIan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ScottR400D Posted January 21, 2019 Share Posted January 21, 2019 I’ve always found that the use of a little light grease from day one prevents undue wear on either the splines or the locking mechanism. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Area Representative Geoff Brown Posted January 21, 2019 Area Representative Share Posted January 21, 2019 Grease on the splines/inside the QR coupling helps to decrease play.The QR on my car exhibited so much play after only 10 months it reminded me of driving an old Land Rover or tractor !I removed the upper shaft & QR sent via CC to Lifeline for an overhaul under warranty. Returned in perfect health & six years on the play is virtually unnoticeable more so with lubricating.I would suggest that the QR & upper shaft are sent to Lifeline for overhaul. I would imagine that the overhaul cost cheaper than a new QR & matched upper shaft? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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