Steering clunking / binding?
Discussion
Appreciate there is a recent, similar, thread here https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
but I didn't want to hijack that thread or take it off topic.
In short, I'm getting what i can only describe as a clunking / binding / catching feedback through the steering wheel when turning. Noticed it most when steering between 11 and 1 and also close to or at full lock. It's been looked at by nearest TVR specialist but the gremlins persist, so I'm wondering if its the actual steering column.
It seems to ease when the car is fully warmed up, but never really goes away and it isn't necessarily consistent with the rotation of the steering wheel stated above, or happens everytime, just now and then.
Not sure i can quote directly from the other thread but two posts caught my eye:
@NoTaping
'The slots in the shaft allow for a bit of movement so even though the bolt goes in - the shaft can protrude too far into the joint. In this case it binds against the knuckle of the joint when you turn the wheel. Check the top joint especially since it has quite a sharp turn. Check the end of the shaft is flush with the inside face of the joint.'
@DuncanM
'I did this recently, my advice would be to not have too much of the link shaft in the UJ, because they can contact the inner joint when turning. Same with the steering column.'
May not even be related but it's more of a frustration than anything. The car drives well, isn't skittish, doesn't tramline and there isn't excessive play on the steering wheel in general.
Thanks in advance for any help.
but I didn't want to hijack that thread or take it off topic.
In short, I'm getting what i can only describe as a clunking / binding / catching feedback through the steering wheel when turning. Noticed it most when steering between 11 and 1 and also close to or at full lock. It's been looked at by nearest TVR specialist but the gremlins persist, so I'm wondering if its the actual steering column.
It seems to ease when the car is fully warmed up, but never really goes away and it isn't necessarily consistent with the rotation of the steering wheel stated above, or happens everytime, just now and then.
Not sure i can quote directly from the other thread but two posts caught my eye:
@NoTaping
'The slots in the shaft allow for a bit of movement so even though the bolt goes in - the shaft can protrude too far into the joint. In this case it binds against the knuckle of the joint when you turn the wheel. Check the top joint especially since it has quite a sharp turn. Check the end of the shaft is flush with the inside face of the joint.'
@DuncanM
'I did this recently, my advice would be to not have too much of the link shaft in the UJ, because they can contact the inner joint when turning. Same with the steering column.'
May not even be related but it's more of a frustration than anything. The car drives well, isn't skittish, doesn't tramline and there isn't excessive play on the steering wheel in general.
Thanks in advance for any help.
Hello,
I would check that the steering column joint isn't pulled too tightly down into the first UJ - easily checked by removing front wheel. Also, as per the advice on the other thread, you want as little spline as is acceptable in the actual UJs, as they can catch.
Whilst you're in there, lubricate both UJs. This is all doable on your driveway, and I'd recommend jacking the front up, both wheels, so that you can check the steering after making changes.
Good luck.
I would check that the steering column joint isn't pulled too tightly down into the first UJ - easily checked by removing front wheel. Also, as per the advice on the other thread, you want as little spline as is acceptable in the actual UJs, as they can catch.
Whilst you're in there, lubricate both UJs. This is all doable on your driveway, and I'd recommend jacking the front up, both wheels, so that you can check the steering after making changes.
Good luck.
I used lithium grease.
I have done this recently, so will add a few points.
If you're removing them rather than just adjusting, then be sure to mark up the spline alignments, otherwise you can easily off center your steering wheel. Needs to be accurate enough for you to get right when refitting.
The steering column spline can be quite tricky, you need to have everything loose from the bottom up, to then tap the top UJ down, away from column. Mine was a pig, had to carefully prise it away from the body.
Good luck
I have done this recently, so will add a few points.
If you're removing them rather than just adjusting, then be sure to mark up the spline alignments, otherwise you can easily off center your steering wheel. Needs to be accurate enough for you to get right when refitting.
The steering column spline can be quite tricky, you need to have everything loose from the bottom up, to then tap the top UJ down, away from column. Mine was a pig, had to carefully prise it away from the body.
Good luck
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