Slight play in STEERING is this normal???

[shuntridge]

I am new to the ownership of TVR's and have recently bought a damaged Chimaera. With help from people on here i have managed to get it started but moving it about i have found there is some very slight play in the steering rack. When you wiggle the steering wheel you get about 1/2 worth of play before it goes tight. It DOES NOT have power steering. IS THIS NORMAL???

Edited by shuntridge on Tuesday 8th May 19:38

[tvrbob]

There should be no play in the steering. I would normally advise that you check the two UJ's on the rack. They are a common cause of either play or stiffness. That said there are many other causes of steering play and with no history of previous use or knowledge of damage prior to your purchase I really would look deeper at all steering and suspension components.

[paul (93 chim)]

Might be worth checking the track rod ends, if the car is used with play in the steering it could wear the tyres very quickly!

[damol]

i have the same and have been told that it is the ball joints going and have been advised to change the ball joints and have the UJs checked as well. I don't believe that these are too expensive.

[spend]

Check both the steering UJs, bottom of column at back of wheelarch & near rack. With the front in the air you should feel the problem around the U'Js or TRE's. Load the suspension and you can tell ifits the BJ's IIRC..

Some early cars have very tight tyre/wheelarch and steering UJ clearances - make sure they are not fouling..

Wouldnt hurt to change BJs & TREs they are quite cheap. But do check wishbones are straight and condition of bushes. It is common for camber adj on wishbones to 'slip' if you have a crunch..

Dave

[peter66]

I have the same play on my Griff. Have been told it's the steering column and was wondering how to check it. Spend fortunately explained, so I can check if this is it. Mine also had a crash in its former life. Apparently on PAS cars (which mine is not) it is normal to feel some play.

Peter

[shuntridge]

Again a huge thanks for all the info!!!!

I will get everything checked out.

Thanks