Solid steering coupler questions

[pd_55]

Couple questions on a solid steering coupler (universal joint style, not poly).

 

#1 - Are there negatives or drawbacks to using a solid coupler vs. OEM? Other than the obvious feedback through the steering wheel.

#2 - Would there be increased stress or wear on the steering box from daily/weekend driving?

#3 - Does anyone have one for a 1974 base 2002 they are willing to sell?

 

Thanks all.

 

[Vicleonardo1]

oops! 

 

Edited May 23, 2022 by Vicleonardo1
mistake..

[Dudeland]

I put one in my car from my 1975.  It doesn't make it too harsh, in face I didn't notice anything different.  Just make sure you put the weird spring thingy in it or your horn won't work. 

 

Ireland has them here. 

Urethane Steering Coupler – Ireland Engineering | Racing & Performance Parts for BMW & MINI

WWW.IEMOTORSPORT.COM

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Each

 

[Mark92131]

He is asking about one of these...  Recommended for race cars, so...

 

Mark92131

 

Solid Steering Coupler – 2002/NK – Ireland Engineering | Racing & Performance Parts for BMW & MINI

WWW.IEMOTORSPORT.COM

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Each

 

 

[pd_55]

@Dudeland Just to confirm, you put the urethane coupler on or the solid universal joint like below?

 

Solid Steering Coupler – 2002/NK – Ireland Engineering | Racing & Performance Parts for BMW & MINI

WWW.IEMOTORSPORT.COM

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Each

 

 

 

[jireland2002]

I have a solid coupler on one of my race cars for the last 25+ years.  Is it not a mechanical problem but I think it's not the best idea for a street car.

[Dudeland]

Sorry I did misread, I thought what he meant was the coupling disks, i.e a rubber (oem) or urethane.   

 

In the category of not getting a steering wheel through the chest, I vote for racecar only on the solid coupler.  I suspect that I may be overreacting.  

[Vicleonardo1]

If you feel how hard a urethane coupler is, it is pretty damn close to solid.  I got a urethane one a few years ago pretty cheap about $10. The ones made for old VW's are exactly the same, much cheaper, fit perfect. no issues.  

[pd_55]

Honestly, the main reasons for the change are to create a little more space and have a cleaner look. I have a urethane one in now, but going to EFI and there are AN and vacuum lines from the throttle bodies that would be nice to have the few extra inches.

 

@jireland2002 I think taking your word on all things 2002 is probably a good practice. What are the concerns for using one for street? Is it a safety issue or comfort? Like a race suspension not being a great idea for street. Thanks Jeff.

[Tommy]

I would use one without hesitation if I had a reason, like need of space. I guess it might conduct some more noise in the cabin or vibration to steering wheel. Noticeable? Hard to say.

[jireland2002]

Using a solid coupling on the street is NOT a safety issue.  You will feel more "road feel"

[Dudeland]

Does the steering column collapse in a front impact? 
 

I can’t tell from the pictures I can find on my phone. 

[Son of Marty]

The idea was in a crash the front frame will roll under the body allowing the shaft to bend down instead of pushing back into the passanger compartment, we're still looking for a volunteer to test the theory.

[calw]

I don't trust the urethane steering couplings after receiving a new one in a sealed package in a garage sale lot of parts that had was already cracked to bits having never been installed.  There was no reinforcement of any sort, just pretty rubber surrounding metal sleeves.  I don't know the history of the part I had but it was already a "non-coupling"

 

"Does the steering column collapse in a front impact? "  Emphatically NO.  The shaft is a sturdy, solid steel rod encased in a steel tube from top to bottom with a wee little bearing at the top.  At least one aftermarket steering wheel adapter (later MOMO version IIRC) provided an inch or so of non NHTSA tested collapse distance.

 

"The idea was in a crash the front frame will roll under the body allowing the shaft to bend down instead of pushing back into the passenger compartment, we're still looking for a volunteer to test the theory. " ? 

What was that BMW advertisement line about the ability to avoid accidents being the best safety feature?

[Son of Marty]

3 hours ago, calw said:

What was that BMW advertisement line about the ability to avoid accidents being the best safety feature?

Yes.