Steering-not sure if it a problem

[chasod69]

Hi,
The steering on my '94 chim has suddenly become quite abit more heavy. It only seems to at the beginning of the turn ie. not at either lock. I know it all sounds abit vague, but I was wondering if there was any obvious reason for this.

Cheers

[GreenV8S]

The steering column UJs wear out regularly and one of the symptoms is the steering getting stiff in certain positions. Sometimes a squirt of light oil can extend the life a few months but if its on the way out it'll need replacing before long. I suggest you check the UJs especially the top one. They're cheap and easy to replace, while you're at it add a gaiter (steering rack end bellows are ideal) to keep the dirt and heat out and the grease in, this extends the life enormously.

[chasod69]

Thanks for the advice. The words 'cheap' and 'easy to replace' have set my mind at ease enormously. However I'm not the most mechanically minded person. Could you explain what a UJ is, and where I can find them/it.


Many thanks for your help

[Ballistic Banana]

The uj is the double knuckle joint.
If you look behind the drivers side front wheel you will see to the left inner wheel arch, where the upper one is as it joins to the steering coloumn.
It then joins to a rod that goes down behind the wheel to another(lower Universal joint) That joins to the steering rack.
If you dont have it allready then i would advise you to get Steve Heaths Manual(the Bible) 'The Tvr Griffith and Chimeara.
It shows just about every thing about The cars and includes a setion on changing these.
his website is www.tvrbooks.co.uk/


Simon

[chasod69]

Hi,
Cheers for that. The bible will be purchased asap

Thanks Again