Power Steering Dead Spot

[seadog]

Hi All

I've recently purchased my first Stag and have noticed that there appears to be a sort of dead spot at straight ahead when driving. Basically, I can move the wheel an inch or two either way from centre and nothing happens, the car doesn't turn - almost as if there is some slack or play in the rack. The car has just passed an MOT, so if there was any play surely the tester would have picked it up - with the engine off there doesn't appear to be any play.

Also, there appears to be very little self-centering action for the last quarter of a turn of the steering wheel, turn the wheel a full turn or more and the steering self-centres until the last quarter or eighth of a turn then it needs a bit of help to come back to the centre/straight ahead position.

Does anyone know if I have a problem (as in I'm going to have to sell a kidney to fix it) or is this a trait of the 1970s designed power steering system?

Wheels are Stag alloys fitted with Uniroyal 195/70 R14 tyres.

General operation feels the same as a modern car, it's 'just' around the centre or straight ahead position that it feels a little slack.........................

Any help or advice will be welcome


Alan

[mjheathcote]

The universal joints can dry out in the steering column in the engine bay, causing sticking. A good spray of the joints with WD40 can make a big difference, a quick and easy thing to do.

[richardthestag]

What Mike said about shaft in the engine bay

Also could be play in a track rod end, also worth checking bottom link for "dryness"

Good luck

[LAMBRETTLAD]

Also check the uj's in the column,they / it might be sticking

[milothedog]

If I read what you are saying correctly, it's not a tight spot but free play when straight ahead

There is also a roll pin that holds the spline on the end of the torsional shaft that the intermediate shaft connects to that can wear and become loose Or the UJ in the steering column.

The best thing to do is split the rack from the column and check for free play in either the column or rack.

Ian.

[seadog]

Thanks for that guys, I will investigate.......................at least I have something to go on now.