SVA compliant steering column

[Doc Watson]

I've read the SVA requirements (rule to get a built car road legal in the UK) and it states that the steering column cannot be a single shaft assembly (from the steering rack to the steering wheel), is it ok to have a single universal joint somewhere between the rack and wheel? Or does it need to be in a specific place?

Would a replica column be SVA correct?

Also how does SVA stand with a removable steering wheel?

Photo of original steering column shown (from 'Original Parts' thread posted by JimmyMac)

Andy

 

[Brett James-McCall]

Doc,
From my understanding it isn't just one UJ that has to be in place but actually having a steering link that is ofset by no more than 30 degrees. Also a collapsible column can also be acceptable. Looking at that it apears at first that it probably wouldn't pass muster, but I may be wrong. I have used Mick Sollis's steering column, which incorporates both features I've mentioned above, see my build thread for a bit of a pic. If not PM me and I will get some photos this weekend.

On the other topic, I have heard of them getting through SVA, but not generally. I think the ones that got through are the key lockable type. The race type that we are all looking to use means that in 'theory' you could take the steering wheel off the column whilst you were driving and therefore not be in control of the vehicle... but I have also seen people try to claim against car manufacturers that the vehicles aren't designed right by throwing a 4x4 270 on roundabout at 80mph and claim that the aforesaid manufacturer did not adequately design the car for going round the roundabout.

Brett

 

[JimmyMac]

Andrew / Brett,
I did not get the gist of your first enquiry and reply as it appears to me vague and that you both presume the part in my photo comprises of the whole steering column.

This is not true as the upper column mentioned is linked to the steering rack via the lower assembly consisting of two universal joints - if you have the manual, see GT40 part number 11/6511.

A collapsible SVA compliant boss also fits between the upper column flange and the steering wheel centre.

 

[Doc Watson]

Thanks James,

I was aware that the original column has another joint but didnt realise that 2 were used. With the boss and the 2 joints do you know if it will pass sva?

Regards

Andy

 

[JimmyMac]

Andrew,
If it did not pass the SVA there is a major problem as I don't see any alternative.

 

[Ian Anderson]

Doc
I had my car SVA'd and it has a removable wheel
http://www.rallydesign.co.uk/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=1361_906&products_id=10428 gives the part
The SVA engineer removed and replaced it numerous times and appeared happy.

Also fitted was a collapsable boss - cannot remember where it came from but I can get photos if required (It does put the wheel closer to the driver than it should but is good for SVA requirements)

Ian

 

[Huw Peplow]

It appears that as long as the last link ie the rod between the rack and the end of the column is angled by no more than 30 degrees but is not straight so that any colission force is deviated away from straight up the column it is acceptable.
kit car solutions do a sva collapsable boss
Also the gt40 style wheel is non sva compliant but if padded with foam and gaffa tape (as with jerry's rf 98) it passes