Steering problems on full lock.

[jakesmig]

Hi,
Please can anyone out there help. My stag drives nicely without any apparent problem until I try to manouvre in tight areas and use full lock, either left or right, makes no differance. The problem can best be described as feeling like a normal car to one being driven on flat tyres and then back to normal when the amount of lock is reduced. Everything appears tight and the bushes springs & shockers are all in servicable condition.
Regards,
John.

[rac]

power steering oil low? air in system? just a couple of suggestions.

[jakesmig]

Hi,
No, rack was new last year, pump is good and servicable, no problems there. Problem pre dates the installation of the new rack.

Regards.

[SGN]

Jack it up, disconnect both track rod ends, you can then try each wheel individually by hand, also turn the steering wheel to see if it still goes tight or not. At least you can eliminate one or the other.

Steve

[martin]

Hi,
No, rack was new last year, pump is good and servicable, no problems there. Problem pre dates the installation of the new rack.

Regards.

Hi, it may just be the pump in it's old age. If you remove the lower of the two hoses, after emptying it of course, you'll find, if I remember correctly, a spring loaded screw covering a sort of restrictor, take it all to bits carefully, tapping the body will move any stuck parts, then check the small bore hole is clear. Worth a try, and it's free. Martin.

[Coppo]

Try putting some oil in the Strut Top Mounting, keep turning the steering wheel left and right. See if that helps. Had the same problem.

[alistair260661]

yop strut mounts semi seized I suspect - try lubrication first then disconecting the track rod ends - I bet its the mounts at the top - mine did that.

[stagmuffin]

Try putting some oil in the Strut Top Mounting, keep turning the steering wheel left and right. See if that helps. Had the same problem.

that would be my guess, and if they are f....d you could replace with the far superior bearing top mount as chris witor supplies.

[Arbman Al]

that would be my guess, and if they are f....d you could replace with the far superior bearing top mount as chris witor supplies.

What is the benefit of Chris Witors top mounts Steve?

[new to this]

What is the benefit of Chris Witors top mounts Steve?

Al

iv'e just been on his web site can only see he is using stainless steel inner and outer sleeve

dave

[stagmuffin]

What is the benefit of Chris Witors top mounts Steve?

if i remember cris supplies the top mount with a thrust bearing assembly which greatly reduces the friction of the original set up ,which was designed as much for economy as opposed to being an effective low friction rotating swivel.i think there were others doing this modified part as well.all that aside a standard set up in good condition works well.
steve

[jakesmig]

Hi,
Thanks Coppo and all others for contributions, top mounts sound logical. I'll check out replacement bearings etc and get round to it in the new year.
Regards,

John.

[martin]

Hi John, just a word to the wise, you can buy the top mount without the bearing, which you have to buy separately and fit yourself, make certain of which you're getting. Good luck, Martin.

[jakesmig]

Cheers Martin, gives a couple of options then depending on type of bearing you opt for.
Regards,
John.

[elvimto]

Hi John,
If you get into replacing the top mount check the components for the correct measurments I found that the length of the top bushings were to long and had to machine them just enough to give them clearance otherwise they would have tightened up the wrong way I put a drop of light oil into the top bearing just to keep it in good nick.

cheers Stuart