Stiff Steering

[BeastMaster]

Over the weekend noticed that after an hour of driving the steering started to feel quite stiff - it was fine when cold on both days. checked power steering and seems fine, no leaks or odd noise. Now the odd bit - when putting the roof on steering is stiff straight away - cold or hot.

When driving the stiff feeling is not one of being heavy, but an odd sensation that it is jammed requiring a fair amount of input to steer, and will not self centre.

My thoughts are to order the steering U.J. top and bottom and a top bearing for the bulkhead and strip and rebuild the shaft coupling and bulkhead bearing.

Thanks for any comment / pointers - Andy

[ITVRI]

I had a similar problem with the steering suddenly started to bind. If you haven’t done already I would recommend you use a penetrating oil on the universal joints and work the steering wheel back and forward. It should free up.

[Steve_D]

I've had a similar issue where the bearing cage (plastic) broke up in the top of the column. It produced stiffness but also play at the wheel. Final giveaway was the ball bearings on the carpet.

Steve

[Classic Chim]

More likely a binding steering UJ.
Replacement is the only sensible answer as it’s the steering,,,,,,!