8 replies to this topic

[DUF2]

My recently refurbed ‘65 Elf has heavy steering, initially I put it down to no power steering and the 165/60r 12 tyres. All my cars for the last 30years or so have had PAS so I was just thinking this was how it used to be!!

 

However, I have checked the steering (both wheels off the ground) and the rack is stiff. It is the same stiffness from lock to lock, it does not go tight or slack.

As stated it is a 1965 Riley Elf, it has been fitted with a 1989 Metro 1275 engine & gearbox, it also has been fitted with the 8.4”  vented discs and 4 pot calipers.  

The steering rack seemed fine when I checked it during refurbishment, the rack had no free play in any of the joints and moved smoothly from lock to lock. In hindsight maybe just not quite as free as it should be.

 

I don’t know the origins of this rack, it maybe the original 1965 rack, or it may have been replaced with a later on. Is there an easy way to check?

Have you guys any ideas what could be causing the stiffness? Can this be rectified with the rack in situ?

I am aware that changing the rack is not an easy job.

if I do need to replace the rack, are any suppliers who should maybe be avoided for buying a rack?

[Ratters]

Hi I think I would jack up the front of the car so that axle stands were under the outer ends of the lower arms, so making the attitude/weight distribution of the arm the same as with the vehicle sitting on its wheels.

Then I would disconnect the track rod ends on both sides and check each wheel swivels freely and independently, then test the steering rack lock to lock see how free that is.

Depending on findings the rack might want filling up with oil, or the top and or bottom swivel ball joints may need stripping, re-shimmed and greased. Good Luck.

[68+86auto]

Did you test it with the steering arms and hubs still connected?

It could be a ball joint issue.

If it was the rack by itself, perhaps someone has messed with it to take out play.

Also make sure the rack is correctly positioned and aligned to the column.

[Ethel]

Ball joints were my first thought too. Steering column bush is another possibility. 

 

It shouldn't be hard to track down, if it's there with the wheels off the ground something is binding & disconnecting steering joints etc will isolate & track down the cause.

[eric67]

It’s also worth checking that you have the correct steering arms for the rack in case you have a mixture of parts that are causing stiffness.

[Spider]

Is it actually the Rack itself that's tight or another component ?

Depending on what it is in the Rack that's tight - if this is the issue - it maybe adjustable in situ. If it comes to changing a Rack, while a little fiddly, it's not a difficult job.

 

Some causes of heavy steering;-

 

Tight ball joints (as has been mentioned by the other guys above)

Misaligned steering column (as Ethal suggested),

Too much off-set in the wheels,

Low Tyre Pressures,

Excessive Tyre width,

Excessive Camber (positive or negative),

Steering Wheel too small in diameter,

Something bent - this could be the Column or the Inner Rack,

No Lube in the Rack.

 

This is by no means exhaustive, but some items to check

[chuee]

First thing, Check it with wheels off the ground,   Is it lighter now?

 

- Great  chance you have too much toe out, unless you had it aligned by skilled operator. Why? Because when setting by counting threads/turns of track rod end, just two turns  excess, will give 4 x thread pitch extra toe  that is bout 5mm in total (@ 1.2mm thred pitch)  and you will find the steering very heavy with wheels on ground. Plus low tyre pressures whilst it was being re-built. 13" wheels wont help.

Edit: beg your pardon. I see you have done that, already.

Edited by chuee, Today, 10:22 PM.

[chuee]

As you have refitted the steering rack, I would certainly double check the alignment of the steering column because of your symptoms. Ethel's suggestion above to start with is spot on.

If the rack clamps are tightened before fitting the column, subsequent tightening of the column clamps and pinch bolts will tend to cause binding in the column.

Edited by chuee, Today, 10:21 PM.

[chuee]

The steering rack seemed fine when I checked it during refurbishment, the rack had no free play in any of the joints and moved smoothly from lock to lock. In hindsight maybe just not quite as free as it should be.

 

Would be useful to have clarification on this specific report you've given: Was that check performed with steering column attached to rack, both fitted to car?