Has anyone else experienced problems with the Bluemels adjustable steering column on the Ace? For years the steering column had gradually moved towards my chest and periodically I slackened the bakelite clamping knob, moved it back and tightened the knob again. Recently, the bakelite adjusting wheel jammed, such that even the strongest wrists couldn't shift it, so the column was advancing relentlessly towards me and I could do nothing about it. Last time I mentioned this, another member was kind enough to send me a drawing of the mechanism and on the strength of that I finally plucked up the courage to dismantle mine today. Not wanting to apply any kind of wrench to the bakelite, which was sure to shatter, I instead removed the horn/indicator mechanism (easy) and used a puller to take off the boss from the column.
I was expecting to find corrosion, or a picked-up thread, or grit, or worn splines, but to my amazement everything looks as good as the day it was made and all the screw threads worked smoothly. I am mystified. Why did it jam? All I can do is clean it, lubricate it, reassemble it and keep my fingers crossed. Can someone explain?