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The Bishop Cam Steering Play Reduction Unit has been developed by Vintage MG Parts to reduce steering play between the worm and the peg. Worms usually develop a degree of wear over time to the mid-range area of travel and can be particularly noticeable through steering wheel play in the straight ahead driving position.

The VMGP adaptor is designed to replace the original steering box cover plate. It will reduce steering wheel play, help maintain a good straight-line driving position, improve steering when cornering and thus create an enhanced driving experience.

Please note, the adaptor unit is designed to address wear between the worm and peg. It is not a miracle worker for additional operational shortfalls to the steering mechanism i.e. worn track rod / steering rod ends, kingpins, damaged splines to the drop arm or worn out bearings within the steering box. This is not an exhaustive list. Please make sure that all other areas of the steering system have no excessive wear.

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There are marginal differences between some steering boxes. Not all sector shafts have centre dimples. (see dimple in fig. 1). If your unit has no dimple, or just a centre punch mark, then the sector shaft / arm will need to be removed, turned in a lathe and a dimple machined in the shaft centre. We recommend using a centre drill followed by a 4mm dia drill to create the dimple and to a depth of no more than 2.00 mm. Then replace the shaft / arm.

To ensure the best results and providing the above issues have been addressed, we recommend fitting as follows;

Step 1 - Jack up the car so the front wheels are just clear of ground level.

Step 2 - Turn the steering wheel to extreme opposite locks ensuring there are no rough points to the steering box operation.

Step 3 - Centre the steering wheel. Remove the top of the steering box (3 bolts, or 5 bolts depending on the steering box model). Some steering boxes have been assembled using shims between the steering box casting and the cover plate. Retain all shims where present for use with the new VMGP adaptor casting.

Step 4 - With the wheels in a straight ahead position, place the adaptor on the box locating the captive spring loaded ball bearing (shown in fig. 2) into the sector arm dimple (fig. 1). The 3 bolt / 5 bolt holes should line up when pressing down against the spring-loaded ball. There can occasionally be marginal variations between steering boxes. If the holes do not correctly align then please contact us.

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Step 5 - Remembering to reinstall any shims previously present, engage the ball bearing in the dimple and lightly bolt the VMGP adaptor into position. Tighten down bolts equally to increase the spring load (light torque only). Rotate steering again to check and then assuming ok, tighten all bolts to the required torque. Undertake a final check of the steering to ensure a full free travel between locks.

Step 6 - Lower the vehicle off the jack.

Lubrication - The adaptor is already greased and should operate with steering box oil.

For any technical queries, please email Vintage MG Parts at our email address; enquiries@vintagemgparts.com

Happy motoring!

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