Steering stiff / notchy
Discussion
Hi folks,
Last couple of days the steering occasionally goes stiff near to the straight-ahead position whilst driving, like there is additional resistance to turning briefly. Thought it might be the UJs but I might be imagining it but the steering also seems to be slightly off centre now and then, like I am turning to the right to stay straight but not always.
Have checked the power steering fluid level (which is a little over-filled) and the hoses and that nothing is fouling the steering rods. UJs look OK, bolts still in etc.
Steering pump is not making any unusual noises when going from lock to lock.
Steering rack was professionally overhauled around 3 years ago.
Any ideas ?
Last couple of days the steering occasionally goes stiff near to the straight-ahead position whilst driving, like there is additional resistance to turning briefly. Thought it might be the UJs but I might be imagining it but the steering also seems to be slightly off centre now and then, like I am turning to the right to stay straight but not always.
Have checked the power steering fluid level (which is a little over-filled) and the hoses and that nothing is fouling the steering rods. UJs look OK, bolts still in etc.
Steering pump is not making any unusual noises when going from lock to lock.
Steering rack was professionally overhauled around 3 years ago.
Any ideas ?
Yes mine was the same as tight just off centre when turning.
In my case it was the top UJ as I already had a new lower one.
You need to make sure you get one the correct length for the top one as they differ from early to later cars.
Powers Performance got me new uj’s pressed into my original casing for the top one.
In my case it was the top UJ as I already had a new lower one.
You need to make sure you get one the correct length for the top one as they differ from early to later cars.
Powers Performance got me new uj’s pressed into my original casing for the top one.
Thanks for replies. Lifted and checked the car suspension and steering for any problems and found the offside front lower wishbone was in a bad state. Whilst the main arms from the chassis to the hub are in very good condition with powder coating still on all but the edges of the sections, the smaller-gauge cross bar had corroded so badly that it had split along its length and parted from the rear main arm altogether.
Initially wasn't sure what the cross bar was for as the two main arms aren't going anywhere whilst fixed to the chassis. Howwver, could this separation allow the wishbone main arms to flex sufficiently to put the steering angles out. An increase in castor angle could make the steering stiff at the centre point maybe?
Will replace the UJs too.
Initially wasn't sure what the cross bar was for as the two main arms aren't going anywhere whilst fixed to the chassis. Howwver, could this separation allow the wishbone main arms to flex sufficiently to put the steering angles out. An increase in castor angle could make the steering stiff at the centre point maybe?
Will replace the UJs too.
Having replaced the wishbone and painted the chassis area, I removed and manipulated the UJs and sure enough the top UJ (at the end of the steering column) is incredibly stiff in one direction (can hardly shift it by hand)
The UJ is 115mm in length.
Went to order online and TVR parts do not list it and Racetech list the H0359 which is 105mm in length and state that the 115mm length version is no longer available.
So what do I do now?
I've tried cleaning and flushing the old UJ with copious WD40 but it's still pretty stiff and notchy.
Can these joints be refurbished. Would rather buy new but if no longer available, I'm a bit stuffed.
The UJ is 115mm in length.
Went to order online and TVR parts do not list it and Racetech list the H0359 which is 105mm in length and state that the 115mm length version is no longer available.
So what do I do now?
I've tried cleaning and flushing the old UJ with copious WD40 but it's still pretty stiff and notchy.
Can these joints be refurbished. Would rather buy new but if no longer available, I'm a bit stuffed.
You could try http://baileymorris.co.uk at St Neots, they list steering UJ's in their catalogue, might be worth a call to see what they can do
taylormj4 said:
Having replaced the wishbone and painted the chassis area, I removed and manipulated the UJs and sure enough the top UJ (at the end of the steering column) is incredibly stiff in one direction (can hardly shift it by hand)
The UJ is 115mm in length.
Went to order online and TVR parts do not list it and Racetech list the H0359 which is 105mm in length and state that the 115mm length version is no longer available.
So what do I do now?
I've tried cleaning and flushing the old UJ with copious WD40 but it's still pretty stiff and notchy.
Can these joints be refurbished. Would rather buy new but if no longer available, I'm a bit stuffed.
Contact Andy at Powers Performance, he can get yours repaired with new joints. The UJ is 115mm in length.
Went to order online and TVR parts do not list it and Racetech list the H0359 which is 105mm in length and state that the 115mm length version is no longer available.
So what do I do now?
I've tried cleaning and flushing the old UJ with copious WD40 but it's still pretty stiff and notchy.
Can these joints be refurbished. Would rather buy new but if no longer available, I'm a bit stuffed.
taylormj4 said:
I've soaked the UJ in a bath of oil and manipulated it to clean it out. Felt like it had grit in it. The joint was A1 again then seized up so i soaked it again and now its stayed fine. If it moves ok now with no major play in the joint, would you agree it is ok to reuse?
That wont last trust me , you will be in rough action city before you know it 
the pin bearings are f
ked now The UJ uses needle roller bearings, and you wont fix a shot needle roller bearing by soaking the UJ in oil.
Being of the peened cap type construction they are not really rebuildable so replacement is your only practical option, Car Builder Solutions may have a UJ to suit spline and length?
You should be able to find something to fit in the UK, if not you could try emailing the spec to Flaming River in the States, they make lovely rebuildable billet stainless steel UJs with Alen caphead retained bearing caps, they offer a huge range of sizes/splines for the Hotrod and custom car builder market in the US.
https://www.flamingriver.com/index.php/products/c0...
If you find a source of the correct size/spline UJs dont forget to share the details here to help others with the same issue.
Good luck with your search.
Being of the peened cap type construction they are not really rebuildable so replacement is your only practical option, Car Builder Solutions may have a UJ to suit spline and length?
You should be able to find something to fit in the UK, if not you could try emailing the spec to Flaming River in the States, they make lovely rebuildable billet stainless steel UJs with Alen caphead retained bearing caps, they offer a huge range of sizes/splines for the Hotrod and custom car builder market in the US.
https://www.flamingriver.com/index.php/products/c0...
If you find a source of the correct size/spline UJs dont forget to share the details here to help others with the same issue.
Good luck with your search.
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