PAS problem today!

[mole42]

This is an interesting one. My Stag won’t turn left! I was using the car to transport a boot and back-seat full of rubbish to the dump (er, Recycling Centre) this morning and, having cleared the trash from the car, started to drive away. The steering feels perfectly normal straight ahead or turning right, but left it gets really heavy, like no power steering at all. I drove carefully home and put the car away for investigation.

I’m suspecting the spool valve but before I go and order parts, is anyone able to confirm, or suspect anything else, like the pump?

[NeilR]

Sounds like one of the nylon/plastic sealing rings on the spool valve may have failed.
It's not going to be the pump though.

[mole42]

I can’t find any parts for the spool valve at any of the usual suppliers. The ROM is strangely quiet about the spool valve, no details about dismantling or servicing. Do I need to buy a complete rack?

[DJT]

This website has one of the best descriptions of the steering system, with links to diagrams: http://www.triumphstag.net/start/index.htm

Select Technical Are => Suspension and Steering. There maybe something to help.

[NeilR]

The seals kits contain all you need, including the white plastic (or whatever they are - maybe teflon) rings.
I have changed these in the past, extreme care is required when changing them.
I used a plastic sleeve to enable them to slide into position (IIRC was some kind of rattle can lid).

You don't need to remove the entire rack to take off the control valve, just awkward to remove link shaft from column.

[Roy_S]

This website has one of the best descriptions of the steering system, with links to diagrams: http://www.triumphstag.net/start/index.htm

Select Technical Are => Suspension and Steering. There maybe something to help.

I've used that site a few time, great for technical details, but the rest of the site for me just comes back with a lot of code on the screen and does nothing, same for others?

[DJT]

I've used that site a few time, great for technical details, but the rest of the site for me just comes back with a lot of code on the screen and does nothing, same for others?

Yes. The guy (in America) who ran the site stopped several years ago. There was a huge directory of Stags from around the world. I think it was mainly down to funding. At least it is still available for technical reference,

[Roy_S]

Well hats off to him for paying the website still, labour of love.

[barkerwilliams]

Your Stag is just dying of the ignominy and shame being used as a dustcart. It will now need an evening or two out together to reestablish the rapport.

Alan

[sujitroy]

I have a YouTube video I made when rebuilding my rack. You can see the spool valve. There are two types, but the rings are the same. The rings come in a kit. Terry I recall changed them. I did not. He used a wine bottle to expand them. Make sure you change the seals in the valve at the same time.
Sujit

[sujitroy]

if your rack is not working I would replace all the seals at the same time. Refer to my video.
Sujit

[DJT]

Well hats off to him for paying the website still, labour of love.

It was set up by David Redfern and run for a while by Glen Merrell. It used to have a vibrant discussion forum. If you click on the Read Me shortcut it has a lot of info, as does the Stag History link.

[mole42]

I just had a message from Peter who writes that his seal kits do not contain the spool valve rings. Does anyone know where I can guarantee to get a seal kit with all the parts?

[mole42]

Your Stag is just dying of the ignominy and shame being used as a dustcart. It will now need an evening or two out together to reestablish the rapport.

Alan

Oh, that’s not the worst ignominy that Mabel has been through. She’s a maid of all work…..

[mole42]

An update. I removed the rack, stripped down the spool valve, replaced the teflon rings & all seals and put it back together again. Problem was I couldn't find anything that would give me the failure I experienced, so I thought "while the rack's out and I have a seal kit, I'll strip the rack and rebuild it."

I'm glad I did. The photo shows the culprit - it's one of the circlips that hold the piston in place on the rack shaft. I found a couple of bits hanging around in the tube, the two larger pieces were in the gaiter and there's evidence that they have been in contact with the rack end housing. No other damage, so as soon as I order the circlips I'll be back in business!

Just another thought, when I tried to remove the other circlip it broke and flew off into the darker recesses of the garage. I'm pondering the idea that maybe there has been a batch of circlips that were incorrectly tempered.....