Strange steering problem...

[Hedgehopper]

I have recently converted my car to power steering using a refurbished TVR rack and new pump. Previously, when fitted with the manual rack the steering was perfect, albeit very heavy at low speed (the reason for the change). The only parts I changed were the pump, rack, lower steering column and ujs.

With the power set-up the steering is of course much lighter, but the problem I have is that when exiting a corner the steering doesn't self centre when reducing grip on the steering wheel, it just wants to keep on going around until I move the wheel back to centre.

The 8mm spacer in front of the top ball-joint has never been touched so the castor effect should be the same as before.

I feel that when I release my grip on the steering wheel that the pressure is still being maintained in the rack/pump, what releases this.

Any help will be greatly appreciated.

[taylormj4]

Hi Hedge,
Isn't PH wonderful. I've just posted a very similar problem - yours posted after I'd read the forum and whilst I was writing mine.

I'll be watching yours with interest too.

[chris1972]

I think TVR problems are contagious!!! This is what happens when you meet with other TVR's, they catch problems!

[Hedgehopper]

Hi Matt,

Very spooky, especially as within 7 minutes of each other this morning we both answered the 'Spacer position' post as well.

[jojackson4]

Did you get the tracking done?
You may have different length in the rack/control arms?
Just a thort

[Hedgehopper]

Yes, tracking has been done twice now and is OK, also the track rod lengths are the same

This morning I jacked up the front and was able by grasping the tyres to move them from lock to lock using a modest effort. Then I started the engine and the effort required to move from lock to lock was considerably greater. Does this seem normal?

[taylormj4]

Hedgehopper said:

Yes, tracking has been done twice now and is OK, also the track rod lengths are the same

This morning I jacked up the front and was able by grasping the tyres to move them from lock to lock using a modest effort. Then I started the engine and the effort required to move from lock to lock was considerably greater. Does this seem normal?

Have never tried that but sound correct as its the opposite to the usual way you apply effort. If it were easy, you would have to work harder at the steering wheel to keep the wheels pointing the way you wanted. For example, an undulation or rut in the road, or just the normal equal-and-opposite force of the road on the car wheels would be more able to pull the steering about or resist your steering input force and you would have to use more effort to change the steering angle.

[QBee]

I thought you were supposed to steer a TVR with your right foot?
Isn't that round thing in front of you only for hanging onto like grim death whilst driving, and heaving yourself out of the car at the end of your drive?