Gearbox bellhousing to steering linkage clearance (Ev conv.)

[mjstead]

Remember the first BMW 1602 e - ie the electric version produced in 1972? I have recreated this with an EV conversion to recognise the 50th anniversary 

 

My question is - what is the standard clearance between the bell housing and steering linkage?

 

With my EV conversion, the gearbox is slightly lower than stock. This has reduced the steering linkage clearance to the bell housing. I am trying to work out what it was before the ICE was removed. This is important because the certifying engineers need clearance between the two components.

 

I have attached a photo showing the area of concern. 

 

For more information see: 

BMW 2002e - my conversion of a BMW2002 using a Leaf -> 2002e | DIY Electric Car Forums

WWW.DIYELECTRICCAR.COM

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Dear DIY EV community, I am working on a conversion to create a BMW 2002e in celebration of the first electric BWM from 1972. My aim is to meet the 50th anniversary of this visionary vehicle in...

 

 

 

[TobyB]

Not Very F*#$ing Much

 

is the stock measurement.  To my eye, what you're showing is at least as good as stock-

 

however, it's hard to tell from your pic if you're straight ahead or at lock.  If you have that much

throughout the entire travel, you're golden.

 

t

 

[mjstead]

@TobyB Thanks and that was my guesstimate. I can grind out the bell housing a bit to say gain 6 mm at the closest point. 

3 minutes ago, TobyB said:

Not Very F*#$ing Much

 

is the stock measurement.  To my eye, what you're showing is at least as good as stock-

 

however, it's hard to tell from your pic if you're straight ahead or at lock.  If you have that much

throughout the entire travel, you're golden.

 

t

 

 

[mjstead]

@TobyB - the photo is not centred. I only have a few mm when the wheels are pointing straight forwards. 

[tzei]

At the center is the highest point of travel. It'd say steering center link doesn't flex that much. How much engine/tranny is allowed to move (how stiff rubbers)? I'd say about 10 mm is sufficient.

[John76]

It is really tight.

Wonder if shimming the trans mount would help?

I considered filing the web on the trans for a bit more clearance but have never seen any evidence of contact marks.

 

 

 

 

[Son of Marty]

Worn bushings for the pitman arm can cause loss of clearance there, give the arm a good shake while your under there.

[Mike G]

There’s a center piece with a bend, I think it’s from an E9? 2002 underground included it with their M20 kit. 

[stephers]

E9 won't work, have a 2002 and an E9 one on my shelf and the E9 is about 2 1/2 " longer,   guess that you could cut a section out of it, run a sleeve on the inside and tig weld it back together.          Can you not raise the engine EV up a bit along with the trans?      Hah-hah   cut 10 mm off the bottom of the bell housing!!

 

Thanks, Rick

[tech71]

6 hours ago, mjstead said:

I can grind out the bell housing a bit to say gain 6 mm at the closest point. 

Not sure you meed to do that but.. 6mm clearance through the entire travel is more than adequate

[mjstead]

On 9/26/2022 at 9:21 PM, Mike G said:

There’s a center piece with a bend, I think it’s from an E9? 2002 underground included it with their M20 kit. 

 

 

 

Thanks all for your inputs. 

 

Edited October 1, 2022 by mjstead

[mjstead]

On 9/26/2022 at 11:14 PM, stephers said:

E9 won't work, have a 2002 and an E9 one on my shelf and the E9 is about 2 1/2 " longer,   guess that you could cut a section out of it, run a sleeve on the inside and tig weld it back together.          Can you not raise the engine EV up a bit along with the trans?      Hah-hah   cut 10 mm off the bottom of the bell housing!!

 

Thanks, Rick

Thanks Rick. 

The EV motor stack is higher than the BMW 2.0L ICE. Unfortunately, I can't shim it up as it will hit the bonnet. 

 

Edited October 1, 2022 by mjstead

[DB]

On 9/28/2022 at 6:17 AM, mjstead said:

Seem E12 might be the way to go. 

@Solex I'd be interested in knowing how it does.

[TobyB]

Not yet mentioned is checking the angle of your drive unit.

 

If it's straight, lifting just the transmission tail housing will angle the front u- joint,

which is actually a rubber guibo, and will lead to shortened guibo life.

 

But if it's low, then you'd want to raise it anywho.  Given that the front of the

bell's closer to the engine than the trans mount, so any movement of the

mount will only gain you a little at the bell.

 

Have you posted details on your conversion?  I recently found an EV1 (!!!!!) drive unit,

and am now eyeing the E21 that's been sitting in the back of the barn, thinking about

trying again.  I tried 20 years ago with a GE DC motor, but the packaging

and weight and fabrication and rust on the donor and kid and life (and racing)

inertia'd me out of it...

 

t

RWD FTW!