steering tighter on one side

hi guys my series 2a is alot harder to right than left.there are no sounds whatsoever eveything seems fine other than the fact that alot more strength is required to turn left.no power steering.what could the problem be ?

Have you got the worm and nut steering box (very early) or the recirculating ball (later models)?

Have you got any oil in it?

Worth checking the adjustment on the steering box has not been set to tight...it will wear rapidly if it has.

Nick.

Another thought would be binding or bad bushiings/bearings in the swiveels or the U-joints.

Get the front end up in the air and see if the stiffness is still there. From there, work methodically back through it, using a U-joint tool (not the fork type, the bolt type they're only a tenner or two) to pop the drag links and tie rods loose. This way you can check components individually.

The other thing to check is the steering relay - if it's empty/rusted up inside that can play hob with your steering.

ajr

renorenoreno said:

hi guys my series 2a is alot harder to right than left.there are no sounds whatsoever eveything seems fine other than the fact that alot more strength is required to turn left.no power steering.what could the problem be ?

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recent happening or allways since youve had it ?

always had it.it's a 1972 2a.steering is smooth when both wheels are off the ground.I don't think it's oil related cos it's totally smooth when turning left.maybe I sld just leave it as it is hahaha

If it is smooth off the ground this would make me tend to suspect lower swivel bearings or something similar. They will be unloaded, of course, when the wheels are up.

How is the preload set on your swivels?

ajr

i have never touched the preload shims before. should i try removing some of it?

If you put an axle stand under the chassis, take off the wheel and support the brake drum with a jack you can undo the bolts holding the swivel pin and take it out for inspection. To reduce the tightness on whichever side make sure the pin is properly lubricated and/or add a shim. Also make sure the housing is still full of oil to the filler plug. Tighten up the bolts securing the pin fully afterwards of course and use lock washers.