Steering feels like treacle

[raceboy]

Decided as it was sunny to take the Chimaera to work, and the steering just didn't feel 'right'.
It seemed to lock onto 'straight ahead' and to initiate a turn took a good bit more force than it ever used to.
No strange noises, everything seems tight and 'looks' ok and the tyres are pumped up.

Any ideas?

[Ow]

raceboy said:

Decided as it was sunny to take the Chimaera to work, and the steering just didn't feel 'right'.
It seemed to lock onto 'straight ahead' and to initiate a turn took a good bit more force than it ever used to.
No strange noises, everything seems tight and 'looks' ok and the tyres are pumped up.

Any ideas?

I don't know if you've already checked, but does it need more power steering fluid?

Mine is playing up a bit at the moment (leaking slightly) and it seems to get heavy every now and again. I think it's due to some air locks, so that's the next thing to tackle!

[Jonny cobra]

Have you checked your universal joint ??

JC..

[wiggycerb]

Hi yes check the UJ this is how my cerb felt when they went ...

[raceboy]

I can safely say it's not loosing power steering fluid. ;-)
Might have to investigate this UJ lark though, is that a nasty TVR garage job or is it a Haynes 1 spanner job.

Disappointing thing is it was only serviced 2 weeks ago.

[FreeLitres]

Yes, check your UJs - especially the top one.

Mine was gummed up with packed old waxoyl and grease which meant it would get stiff at certain angles.

To fix it, I just took the wheel off, cleaned up the UJ with white spirit and a toothbrush and re-greased it. It has felt perfect since doing this.

[raceboy]

Everything is pointing to the UJ's, going to get it up in air and give them a wiggle when I get a chance next week, and if they just need a clean that's a result but it doesn't look too bad/expensive a job to replace them.

[TVR Beaver]

Tyre pressure?.. they haven't let them down a bit at the service have they?

[raceboy]

TVR Beaver said:

Tyre pressure?.. they haven't let them down a bit at the service have they?

No, that's the 1st thing I checked.

[Timja]

I had this. It was the UJ's.

I found that when i bought the new UJs they required a little modification to turn freely (filing away some of the metal as the angles on the new ones didn't quite work).

It is quite worrying when driving along, coming up to a corner and you find the steering has locked straight ahead!! - I found it unlocked it when turning a fraction in the opposite direction, then turning back the way i wanted to go.

I ended up replacing both UJ's.

There are several types of UJ's available, so check sizes carefully before ordering.

[raceboy]

Had the wheel off and gave them a good clean, it's a bit better but a long way from perfect so I think it's new ones, doesn't look too scary a job.
Early non power steering model,
Think the part numbers are H0072 & 73
I'm guessing they are not TVR specific, so any hints on how to avoid the TVR Tax on the parts.

[Timja]

There are 3 part numbers that appear to have been used depending on what TVR picked out the parts bin / or maybe on year of car!

H0359 - 115mm long, 9/16" & 3/4" splines (Supposed to be Upper for Power Steering)
H0073 - 82mm long, 13mm & 13mm splines (Supposed to be lower for Power Steering)
H0072 - 82mm, 13mm & 18mm splines (Supposed to be Upper for Manual Steering)

Can't remember which combo i ended up with, but I have power steering and it wasn't the 2 power steering ones!

I found Clever Trevor the cheapest at the time, not sure if they are TVR specific parts or off another car so may find cheaper elsewhere...

[raceboy]

Racetech Direct currently coming out the cheapest at £40 a pop but a quick look on fleebay and Landrover UJ's which 'look' very similar are about £10
Can't seem to find a cross referance between the H**** TVR Part Numbers and the NRC**** Land Rover Part Numbers though....

[steve-V8s]

Don’t forget the grease nipples either end of the rack