Play in steering - what could it be?
Discussion
Folks (the technical ones amongst you).
I've an annoying problem with the steering on my 96 Chim. If you rock the steering from side to side from the central (neutral) position there is a very slight delay before the steering "bites", basically a small amount of play around the central position. I've had the steering rack reconditioned, track rod ends checked for wear (all OK) and the UJ's replaced but the problem still remains.
Where should I look next?
As ever, your help is much appreciated.....
- Andy.
I've an annoying problem with the steering on my 96 Chim. If you rock the steering from side to side from the central (neutral) position there is a very slight delay before the steering "bites", basically a small amount of play around the central position. I've had the steering rack reconditioned, track rod ends checked for wear (all OK) and the UJ's replaced but the problem still remains.
Where should I look next?
As ever, your help is much appreciated.....
- Andy.
Mine has PAS and has a few mm play left/right with the engine turned off. I worried for a bit, then tested a few at the dealers and they were the same. Steve Howard checked it all out at the last servie too JIC. Also, I sat in a Noble at PistonFest and it had a lot more play at the wheel (an inch each direction).
BTW - the Noble was a very nice car, excellent build, undoubtable performance/handling, but looks dated even next to a Chimaera - bit too Halfords too. Pity.
BTW - the Noble was a very nice car, excellent build, undoubtable performance/handling, but looks dated even next to a Chimaera - bit too Halfords too. Pity.
Hi gents,
Thanks for your input so far, I can't believe this is how they should be though, it didn't used to do it until I had the rack recon'd and applied some grease to the UJ's (which have since been replaced).
Steve - Yes, it's a PAS version. Do you know if the steering column components are standard Vauxhall or are they TVR specials??
Surely there shouldn't be any play in the system? I'm only talking quarter of an inch by the way, noticable though.
Cheers again,
- Andy.
Thanks for your input so far, I can't believe this is how they should be though, it didn't used to do it until I had the rack recon'd and applied some grease to the UJ's (which have since been replaced).
Steve - Yes, it's a PAS version. Do you know if the steering column components are standard Vauxhall or are they TVR specials??
Surely there shouldn't be any play in the system? I'm only talking quarter of an inch by the way, noticable though.
Cheers again,
- Andy.
A little play in the TVR designed power steering rack is normal, but only when the hydraulic system is unpressurised (engine off). The play is due to the design of the rack pre-load adjuster, which places load on the back of the rack in opposition the the pinion gear. This allows the rack and the pinion to mesh with the correct clearance. The adjuster consists of a semi-cylindrical pressure pad which is spring loaded, applying pressure onto the back of the rack thus removing backlash. The "play" is the adjuster's spring being compressed during the initial turn of the steering wheel.
When hydraulic pressure is applied, the force needed to turn the steering wheel, (and thus the front wheels), is effectively halved and so the spring in the adjuster will not be compressed, leaving a slop-free steering system.
Steering rack play should really only be measured with the engine running due to this characteristic, and MOT stations should be aware of this.
If there is still play in the steering even when the engine is running, and everything else is in order (including adjustment of the rack), seek specilist advice.
Hope this is of some help.
When hydraulic pressure is applied, the force needed to turn the steering wheel, (and thus the front wheels), is effectively halved and so the spring in the adjuster will not be compressed, leaving a slop-free steering system.
Steering rack play should really only be measured with the engine running due to this characteristic, and MOT stations should be aware of this.
If there is still play in the steering even when the engine is running, and everything else is in order (including adjustment of the rack), seek specilist advice.
Hope this is of some help.
Thanks stickshaker - unfortunately I have only noticed the play when the engine is running (haven't tried it with the engine not running.....p'raps I should have).
As it happens the car is at an independent TVR specialist trying to get fixed but they've tried various things and seem [to me at least] to be running out of ideas, hence me turning to Pistonheads for inspiration, for any tips I can pass on......
It's a real bummer, all this top weather and I've not had the car for any length of time for about a month!!
>> Edited by arandle on Thursday 7th August 23:38
As it happens the car is at an independent TVR specialist trying to get fixed but they've tried various things and seem [to me at least] to be running out of ideas, hence me turning to Pistonheads for inspiration, for any tips I can pass on......
It's a real bummer, all this top weather and I've not had the car for any length of time for about a month!!
>> Edited by arandle on Thursday 7th August 23:38
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