Heavy Steering - Pump ? Rack ? What ?

[TVdinneR]

Hi All,
Apologies if this has been covered but, what with the search facility being on vacation and not having much joy through Google, I thought I`d ask.
Took the car out Wednesday evening, after a week or two sitting, and immediately felt the steering very heavy.
So much so, my first thought was a flat tyre.
Visually checked the 2 fronts and they appeared fine.
Steering would not straighten itself after a bend etc.
Really didnt feel too safe.
Recently did approx 650-700 miles to Chatsworth and back no concerns at all.
Took it out again last night and am now convinced something aint right.
Checked pressures in all tyres - all ok.
No funny noises, plenty fluid and no leaks.
No appreciable play in the steering.
Question is, where to start the investigation.
What order would you start checking things?
Would you suspect the pump before the rack etc
Any other components that could throw up these symptoms?
Would you expect to see movement of the fluid within the pas reservoir as the steering is turned.
Any thoughts gratefully received.

[Gazzab]

Steering UJ joints or whatever they are called. There are some connectors that get very mucky that will need a good clean or replacement. Mine have a 'boot' over them to stop the muck getting in.

[Tanguero]

Yes - definitely check you steering UJs. Jack it up at the front so both wheels are off the ground and slowly turn the steering form lock to lock. If it feels notchy or stiff then one or both UJs need replacing.

[TVdinneR]

Many thanks for those pointers.
Will get the car jacked up this evening and check it out.
Will report back with any findings.

[scotty_d]

One more for the steering UJ. I fitted a grease filled sleeve around mine to stop it getting notchy.

[TVdinneR]

Tanguero said:

Yes - definitely check you steering UJs. Jack it up at the front so both wheels are off the ground and slowly turn the steering form lock to lock. If it feels notchy or stiff then one or both UJs need replacing.

One wee question:
Should I run the engine while checking this or will I notice any notchiness without the engine running ?

[Gazzab]

The steering will be light enough without engine running but with wheels in the air to feel the UJ's and the steering going 'square' imho

[Tanguero]

Engine off but it doesn't really matter, you will feel it anyway. The UJs are between the steering wheel and the rack so the power steering won't make any difference. It won't be as stiff as when the wheels are on the road but you should be able to feel any problem very clearly.

[C3BER]

Notchy on or off as your moving the UJ but what do I know as TvR here I come.

[TVdinneR]

Again, thanks for all the info.
Here`s hoping its nothing more sinister.

[ukkid35]

No Appreciable Play means it's nothing to do with the UJs.

If you have intermittent assistance that points to a hydraulic issue, sadly in the case of the AJP8 that probably means a Woodruff key problem. However if it's your lucky day, it could be that the grub screw on the PS pump has come loose. If that is in fact the cause, go and buy a lottery ticket - you're obviously one lucky SOB.

[TVdinneR]

ukkid35 said:

No Appreciable Play means it's nothing to do with the UJs.

If you have intermittent assistance that points to a hydraulic issue, sadly in the case of the AJP8 that probably means a Woodruff key problem. However if it's your lucky day, it could be that the grub screw on the PS pump has come loose. If that is in fact the cause, go and buy a lottery ticket - you're obviously one lucky SOB.

Hi
What and where is this grub screw of which you speak ?
Can it work itself too loose ie go missing altogether ?
What is the purpose of said screw ?
I do feel there is some level of assistance, but not much.
Ends up didn't manage to get under it this evening.
First thing tomorrow though.

[ridds]

ukkid35 said:

No Appreciable Play means it's nothing to do with the UJs.

If you have intermittent assistance that points to a hydraulic issue, sadly in the case of the AJP8 that probably means a Woodruff key problem. However if it's your lucky day, it could be that the grub screw on the PS pump has come loose. If that is in fact the cause, go and buy a lottery ticket - you're obviously one lucky SOB.

Not correct, the UJs can tighten up. I was suffering with stiff steering on mine. New UJs cured it. This issue arose about 2 years after having the rack refurbed.

If the steering becomes tight at the same wheel rotation each time then it is more likely the UJs, if it happens at random times not related to the angle of the steering wheel then it is likely to be the pump drive.

[ukkid35]

I stand corrected, and if it's partially seized UJs then you're equally lucky. I will try to take a photo of the potentially errant grub screw tomorrow.

[TVdinneR]

Well, to all who suggested the UJ's on the steering.............drinks all round.
Out early this glorious morning and set to on the joints.
As soon as the car was up and the wheels free the steering was found to be as notchy as, well, a "notchy thing".
Not sure which of the 2 joints it was so the 1st one off was the top and it's nearly seized on one of it's axis, the other axis being very sticky indeed.
With this joint out of the equation the steering feels so much free'er ( if that's actually a word) at the wheels.
The lower joint appears to be working well.
Don't want to tempt fate but that's a bit of a relief.
Now the waiting game for the replacement
And its a glorious day for a drive out too

[C3BER]

Nice and easy

Most problems with cerbs are easy to fix once you have isolated the problem and you have the time and equipment. The problem is finding the fault in the first place

So I'll give track v road a heads up... Ribbon cable needs looking at on the steering wheel, 12k service plus tappets. I'm not going to mention the steering rack. ... I don't have the time and the equipment

[robsco]

Good thinking on the "boots" to prevent this happening again. I have just had mine replaced, it definitely looks exposed to the elements kicked up from the front wheels. Should get far more life out of a set with some form of protection over the top.