Steering heavy to the left.

Hi all,

I have a bit of a mystery that I can't find an answer to on Google.

Scenario: parking stationary

- Turning to the right, the steering is lovely an light.

- Turning to the left is like I have no power assist at all and the steering springs back.

This is an issue while driving too. My initial thought is it could be the damper as it's compressed when to the left but can't imagine it ever causing an issue where it needs that much force?

I have no clue how the gubbins in the steering box work so was wondering if someone could offer some advice on how I eliminate possible causes?

Thanks

What's it like engine off front wheels off the ground?

Hi Flossie,

Unfortunately it's still tough to turn left. It feels like I'm compressing air or fluid which causes it to bounce back.

I wanted this video (link below), it mentions a valve that moves fluid to each side depending on what direction you turn.

Is there a valve and can get get blocked up with rust/crud or old fluid?

Sorry, I know nowt about how they work.
Next step is to remove the damper and try again.

Then disconnect the drop arm from the steering linkage and try again.

So the car has been sitting for 10 months. I took the lid off the reservoir and gave the car 1/3rd throttle in neutral and went lock to lock about 20 times. And it cleared up turn by turn. Not sure what that means. Hopefully with use it continues to work ok.

The valve on a box I had failed resulting in it being very easy to turn [ both ways ] even at a standstill wheel could be spun with one finger.
It was nice at slow speed or off road but plain dangerous otherwise.

tottot said:

The valve on a box I had failed resulting in it being very easy to turn [ both ways ] even at a standstill wheel could be spun with one finger.
It was nice at slow speed or off road but plain dangerous.

Click to expand...

Thanks for the heads up. That's sort of what mine was feeling like. I'm gunna keep and eye on it. If it returns I'm going to look at replacing it.