What's this screw for?

[AndyPen]

After listening to the discussions on earthing the steering rack I was wondering what this screw does? Mk2 rack on my Mk1.

I am sure it is important so I shouldn't remove it - ha ha.

steering-rack-screw.jpg

[Daz1968]

I think it’s the one that holds the bush in place

[Spider]

I think it’s the one that holds the bush in place

Yeap, that's it.

[850man]

The screw holds the bush sleeve in place. The bush is retained by the sleeve, not the screw.

[850man]

The screw holds the bush sleeve in place. The bush is retained by the sleeve, not the screw.
The steering rack bolts hard against the body of the car, hence it is earthed. But it is irrelevant, being earthed or not has zero effect on its operation, or the horns operation.

[AndyPen]

I've used the plastic straps as you can see, and from my reading the amount of paint on a resto can result in a poor earth, hence I was wondering if this might be a solution? Or should I just earth the column outer and that will solve any issues?

[Dearg1275]

On mk1s the horn earths via the inner column by way of the steering rack. The indicator warning bulb earths via the outer column. If either inner or outer are not making a good earth problems will happen.

Before you go adding earth straps to the steering rack check out the Bakelite horn carrier. The brass bridging strap and screw post contact can corrode to the point that enough current won’t pass. It’s easy to test. Just make a temporary earth by touching the retaining screw with an earthed cable and sounding the horn. Noise = earth failure somewhere down the inner column. No noise = some resistance before this (or both).

Electrics, don’t you love them?

D