I recall seeing a discussion on the forum a few years ago about the different steering joints that attach the column to the steering pinion- I can’t find it now. I seem to recall there was a nicely made steering joint out of Europe that people recommended but I cannot find it now-any suggestions?
This is the one I converted my car to many years ago when the “rag joint” disintegrated. I believe it’s 36 splines. It might be available from other British car suppliers.
RD Enterprises shows the right one on the Elan Suspension and running gear page.
Steering Column U-Joint
U-joint coupling for attachment of steering column to steering rack on all Elan, Elan Plus 2 and Europa. No rubber bushes to wear out, this coupling has a real universal joint with needle roller bearings. Standard 9/16" splines at both ends.
Ref. 75H6009
Mev Spares here in the UK.
Alan.
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Thanks to all for responding. I bought a joint on ebay that is of the type suggested. I tried fitting it yesterday and found it had play in the joints and the supplied bolts were undersize allowing it to wobble on the shaft! I should have been warned by the sellers “No Returns”…
I had seen a joint, recommended by someone on this forum years ago, that looked very well made and was available from somewhere in Europe but cannot find the mention in the ‘search’ function. I will try ordering one from RD or DB and throw this one in the garbage!
David, if the seller will not accept a return, I would contact eBay for a refund because it was not functional and is a safety issue.
Unfortunately it has sat on the shelf waiting to be installed for quite a long time, so I don’t think that is an option. Live and learn 
I just found this after a search online-also available in a longer length. People have used them on Triumph racks so they fit. Certainly expensive!
(This is not the item I saw on this forum several years ago)
Further searching found these for half the price:
https://motorsport-tools.com/mk1-mk2-parts-escort/steering/steering-joints.html
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I do not recommend buying one of those £24.50 ones shown in your last post. I bought one of those some years ago from Spyder Cars and returned it. It was complete junk, The bolt holes didn’t line up.
I now have had one of the one’s on my +2 some 5years now as shown in my last post from Mev Spares and can I certainly recommend.
Alan.
Thanks Alan. The one I meant is the centre one in the top row-Escort Mk1 Mk2 Heavy Duty Group 4 Short Steering Coupling Universal Joint - Forged Steel SPLINED The 38.50 one. I have read a number of positive reviews of them.
Hi again Alan. MEV are not open again until January 5th and I am hoping to get the replacement before then. I also like that the one I last posted is forged steel and for use on competition cars apparently. Thanks for the recommendation though 
‘No returns is meaningless if the item is not as described or not fit for purpose. Just open a case on ebay. The seller will have to pay for a return label. Simples.
Leslie
Hmm, messed up this reply somewhat but you get the jist.
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Thanks Leslie, I am going to look into it.
Tony thompson sells proper steering joints at around 30 sovs.I fitted one without any problems to my sprint.Always buy from a reputable dealer.Never off Flea bay. You’re asking for trouble unless you know who’s selling it.
Regards
G
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I recently replaced the original flex-coupling on my S3 because the flex stuff had deteriorated. Purchased a robust-looking cast-iron replacement which was unsatisfactory because it was so robust it was impossible to fully tighten around the shafts. Bought a SuperPro SPF1179K kit with 8 polyurethane cone washers and 4 flat washers from TDC Automotive, Somerset, UK. Rebuilt the original coupling and all works well now.
I thought I should give an update: I too found that the bolts would not tighten the joint and that was the problem all along-the joint was wobbling on the shaft despite the bolts being Very tight. I put the joint in a large vice and pinched it closed with a washer in the gap to prevent it totally closing. With good bolts, tightened very firmly, the joint now works fine!
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Blockquote
Not heard that term for a long time, does that show our age?
Minder fan 
I presume
Minder and The Sweeney govener!I look out for all the old cars in the streets, Escorts, Anglias, Spridgets, Jags as getaway cars of course, only spotted one Elan though, parked up in the street not used in a chase, shame.
Yes I have seen the aforementioned cars but not the Elan.Only ever seen an Elan on tv in the Avengers with Dianna Ring and Patrick Macnee and a severn in the prisoner.All excellent series.
Cheers
G