Column and anti-theft device, steering rack, king pin or spindle, steering wheel, find on our website a wide range of parts dedicated to the steering of the 2CV and its derivatives as well as multiple complementary car parts such as column guide tubes, gaiters, nuts, bolts, flanges or hubs and different models of steering wheel in wood or bakelite, single spoke or with two or three spokes.
A complete range to renovate the steering of your 2CV
The 2CV has undergone several evolutions of its steering system over the decades, whether it be the steering wheel, the column and its fixing system, the pinions, the rack or even the contactor. The central part of the 2CV steering system, the
column was attached to the steering wheel on the first models produced between 1949 and 1961, these two metal parts being painted in pinkish grey. Then, from 1961 onwards, the famous two-spoke bakelite steering wheel appeared, which was attached to the column by means of a hub. This steering wheel remained in use until production of our legendary Citroën was discontinued. The other end of the column was originally fitted with a 7-tooth steering pinion, which was first changed in the 1950s and then switched to an 8-tooth model in July 1974. The adoption of an 8-tooth mechanism made it possible to offer a smoother steering system that was considerably less difficult for the driver to manoeuvre. There were also two models of rack which adapt to these generations of 7-tooth and 8-tooth pinions respectively. The system for attaching the column also evolved, initially using a simple U-bolt and then, later, the flange of the steering lock when it was fitted to the 2CV from 1952. The anti-theft device itself underwent a number of changes until 1974 when the original model that we offer in our shop appeared. This one is compatible with all generations of columns and is fitted to almost all vehicles currently being renovated. Complementary to the anti-theft device, the contactor initially had 2 wires when the starter of the 2CV was not yet electric, then 3 wires when it switched to a 12 V electric circuit from 1965, the 3rd wire being used to connect the starter solenoid to the battery via the wiring harness. You will find the majority of these equipments in this section, our range of spare parts and equipments dedicated to the
2CV steering being the most extensive on the market.
How does the steering of a 2CV work?
The steering of the 2CV, as with all cars of the time, was purely mechanical, with a relatively large turning radius, and without assistance: no power steering, no box or pump, no hydraulics, and not even a stabiliser bar or bearing apart from the pinion. Its operating principle is very simple: by turning the steering wheel, you activate the steering column and the pinion located at its end. The pinion drives the steering rack and transforms the rotational movement into a translational movement to the left or right, depending on the direction of rotation. The rack then activates the
track rods (also known as the steering tie-rod or steering rod) and the
axis in their extension, also called spindles, which are themselves connected to the steering levers attached to the front steering wheels. Note that the steering lever, or track rod end lever arm, acts as both a ball joint and a tie rod, these two parts being one on the 2CV. For more details, please refer to our
dedicated technical diagram (in French).
The importance of quality steering
The steering is an essential element that determines the vehicle's road behaviour, as it groups together all the components that allow the vehicle's trajectory to be modified and therefore the ability to take bends. The reliability and quality of the parts that make up the steering system are therefore decisive in ensuring the safety of your 2CV.
In terms of maintenance, it is important to ensure that the front
wheels are correctly aligned. This can be adjusted by adjusting the track rod sleeve linking the track rod to the track rod end, also known as steering arm end. Also check the condition of track rod gaiter and grease your ball joints/levers without disassembling them, using the track rod end castle nut with integrated grease nipple.
Assembled in our workshops in Cassis using historical Citroën tools, the original steering lock is exclusive to our online shop. It is delivered with 2 ignition keys and offers 3 positions (anti-theft, ignition and starting). It is mounted directly on the column by means of the a U-bolt (ref 1005016) and nuts (ref 1005017) coupled with a column locking ring (ref 1005012) and the 3-wire
ignition contact drum which is specific to the 2CV (ref 3005020). For more information, you can consult our technical diagram dedicated to the
steering lock (in French) or the discussions in our technical forum dedicated to steering and running gear.
For all the essential spare parts and in particular the spare parts necessary for the correct functioning of the steering of your 2CV, contact the Mehari Club Cassis.
