steering issues

i have and old 1973 lightweight series 3 and the steering is abit all over the place you know to keep straight i have to turn a bit left then a bit right sort of wanders is there a cure or a way to get it steering nice again????

A common fault, check the easy things first like the Tyre pressures. All ok,

With wheels in straight line start to check the free play in the many steering linkages, if all ok, look at the free play in the steering relay or loose bolts on the steering relay (or drop arms) All ok, excessive free play in the steering box (Note: do not over tighten the adjuster in the steering box) Also check the Steering box has oil in it..

Loose shackle bolts, leaf spring bolts (a rusty mark is a good sign something is moving) Excessive play in the wheel bearings, and maybe lastly the good old swivel housing.
Jack up the front and check for lift on the swivels, this is more than likely where your problem is. One last thing make sure the steering wheel nut is tight, well I think that should do for now!!

will look at all you told me swivel housing where is this and if this is the problem is it an expensive fix?

It’s supposed to be the chrome bit the wheels swivel on, it’s usually where the oil drips from onto the inside of the tyre. Ok sarcasm over,

You will have to get a manual or diagrams to help you if you are unsure. All are jobs most can do but if you’re asking you should seek local help. Steering is obviously important.
It can be expensive

ok no worries manual on the way

just had a look and no oil leaks on inside of tyre so i might be lucky how much adjustment in the steering box can i do if not to tight

If you have eliminated all the play, a common cause of wander is that the steering is too tight, resulting in continuous over correction. Could be all sorts of things, but a common cause is stiff top swivels, especially if you have Free Wheel Hubs.

Hi, there might be no oil leaks because there is no oil left!! You still want to check all above.

With the wheels in the dead ahead position ( this is where some problems can occur, the wheels not being dead ahead ) because of mal adjustment of the linkage the wheels can be dead ahead but the steering box is not.

You should have a small amount of left to right free play before resistance.
To check its not too tight either remove the link end or jack up both wheels, rotate the steering from full lock to full lock, there should be no tight spot in the middle, if so too tight.

The steering is notoriously vague. If the vehicle is new to you it can be a bit alarming. Over time you get used to it. I did. Bit scary at first though...