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10-02-2018, 10:07 PM | #1 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: New Zealand
Posts: 366
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Steering slop
I have about 5 inches of "slop" in my steering wheel ('29 OCPU 7-tooth) before it starts to move the front wheels and I lately have been working on eliminating it.
But I made a mistake by assuming the problem was caused by worn parts in the steering box. Instead of first measuring the end-play in the old steering box I decided to buy a spare steering column and a complete set of new parts from Brattons, including new worm, sector, thrust bearings, shims and bronze bushes. My idea was to recondition the replacement steering column outside the car and then quickly swap it with the old "worn" column to reduce the time the car is out of action. Before installing the reconditioned replacement column, I decided (almost as an afterthought) to check the amount of play in the original column. Mounting it in a vice I checked the movement of the pitman arm with a dial guage and guess what? There is only 1.1 mm of end play at the outer end of the arm! So I have just wasted all that money on new parts! More importantly I have not yet correctly diagnosed the cause of the sloppy steering, which now must lie somewhere "downstream" in the drag-link, king pins, tie rod or front wheel bearings. And maybe also in the wishbone where it is bolted under the bell housing? So back to the drawing board. My purpose in posting this is to prevent others from making the same silly mistake. |
10-03-2018, 02:18 AM | #2 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Southern California
Posts: 7,030
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Re: Steering slop
Quote:
Charlie Stephens |
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10-03-2018, 07:24 AM | #3 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: Connecticut Shoreline
Posts: 1,817
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Re: Steering slop
I would drop the front end and completely disassemble. Not a big job. Check front spring also.
Once your done. One of the most important parts of your car will now be good to go for many years and miles. Brakes and front end, springs and shocks. Very important. Enjoy. |
10-03-2018, 08:22 AM | #4 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Burton, Texas
Posts: 679
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Re: Steering slop
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