Steering Problem

[Radar1946]

Hi All,
My steering has started to , for a better word float. It is okay going along but if I am touching a white line it pushes the car to one side or the other, and I have to keep correcting it.
I am sure one of you gentlemen knows the answer to the problem.

 

[wil2813]

check your steering damper

 

[biketeacherdave]

+1 on the steering damper

 

[Radar1946]

Thanks, I was hoping someone was going to say the damper, as I have a brand new one in the garage
I have just got to find it.

 

[martyuk]

I've got pretty much the same - could be the damper, and hopefully it is in your case...
In mine, it's got a new damper, drag link, track rod, and suspension ball joints, but it still feels 'floaty'

I've heard that both the rubber coupling on the lower steering column, or the universal joint can get play in them over time - and also the splines in the steering column (that do the telescopic bit) can wear and give vagueness. Also wear/play in the steering box, but this is somewhat adjustable via the screw on top.

Steering damper is the easiest place to start though - especially as you have one already!

 

[Falk]

Got an issue with mine at the min - vague and wandering - in particular when in going straight - and very intermittent wobble when going in a straight line. (Tracking done, wheels balanced tyres inflated before anyone picks me up for school boy errors!) New track rod and steering damper, drag link is in good nick, and swivel pins look ok/DS has split in lower seal (cornering is fine so I'm counting that as pre load is fine and not wobbling on every bump).

Taken my adjustment to the max on the steering box and has improved but still vague - so for me I'm replacing the box and intermediate shaft.

Unless anyone has any other suggestions?

Anyone know of any good places in Essex/surrounding ? Im working out of Colchester for next 3 weeks if anyone could point me in the right direction please!

 

[Radar1946]

Fitted steering damper today and it seems to have cured the floating about.
Cheers,
Radar

 

[Falk]

Can anyone shed any light on my issue please?

 

[wil2813]

Can anyone shed any light on my issue please?

get alignment & balancing rechecked somewhere else some inexperienced fitters rely on machines not common sense, just cause its been done doesn't mean it was done correct when it comes to setting up a steering box imo .also tyre pressure is hit & miss on a 38 sometimes a bit of a psi tweak can sort things out

 

[Falk]

Im happy with the balancing - there is no constant vibration and doesn't worsen with speed. Alignment has been done twice, checked myself with optical gauge after as well - no defined pull to one or another, just a "wondering" on the road (following the camber). Corners fine, just in straight line driving - which leads me back to play in the box. Had new valves last year and first thing i checked.

Thanks

 

[wammers]

Im happy with the balancing - there is no constant vibration and doesn't worsen with speed. Alignment has been done twice, checked myself with optical gauge after as well - no defined pull to one or another, just a "wondering" on the road (following the camber). Corners fine, just in straight line driving - which leads me back to play in the box. Had new valves last year and first thing i checked.

Thanks

Any play in the box can be adjusted out subject to wear on the centre section of the rack gear. Tyres can be a problem, some have more wanderlust than others. Play in steering shaft will cause wander. Bad radius arm and panhard rod bushes will cause wander. Lots of things to look at.

 

[Falk]

Thanks, adjusted as i said but the adjustment screw will only take up so much of the play. Got Pirellis on mine at the min with good tread depth and uniform wear pattern. New bushes all round (albeit radius arms are polybush as i couldn't press in standard bushes). They have been in for 2 months now and didn't have any issues from the off with them so discounting them.

Think def time for a refurb box...

Ideally i just need some info about indy's near Colchester - only one i can find is LRS engineering and can't find reviews. Just a job i don't fancy doing myself as i don't have my tools or proper workspace for setting it up correctly!