Stiff steering

[mhibbins]

I had not used my s3 for a month when I took it for its MOT on tuesday. It passed with flying colours but I noticed on the way home that the steering is slightly stiff. It isn't constant and sometimes feels stiff and sometimes doesn't. It's more noticable when you 'let go' of the wheel after cornering to allow the wheel to straighten by itself and often it doesn't (if you see what I mean). After half an hour of driving the problem disappeared completely but now it's back and it as bad as it was everytime I have driven it from cold since last tuesday (I haven't taken it as far since so I don't know if the problem goes after half an hour still).

I know the bulkhead bearing needs replacing and I'm halfway through that right now and I assumed that this bearing was the culprit as there was plenty of play in it (up and down movement of the steering wheel and you can see the play at the bulhead) and I thought the bearing was simply collapsing. However, when I've disconnected the steering column UJ the steering column freely rotates without a hint of drag. I'll obviously replace this anyway.

There is no side to side/rotational play in the steering at all and the drag appeared over-night (well, it wasn't there when I parked it but is there now after a month of not driving it). There can't be any play in any of the connections as it sailed through the mot and I guess they wouldn't have felt the drag as they would be turning the steering wheel stationary anyway and it would feel heavy.

Any ideas on what I can look for or lubricate to solve this?

Thanks,

Mark

[GreenV8S]

quote:I noticed on the way home that the steering is slightly stiff. It isn't constant and sometimes feels stiff and sometimes doesn't.

Very likely to be the top UJ in the steering column. The heat from the exhaust wrecks it. Not hard or expensive to replace, but well worth fitting a protective boot to protect the new one. I use a steering rack gater, but you could make one out of anything.

As a short-term fix you can oil it and this will free it for a while but it will come back. Do use oil though and not WD40 or anything like that.

Hope this helps,
Peter Humphries (and a green V8S)

[mhibbins]

Thanks Peter. I assume there are no grease nipples on this UJ - it's dark now and I can't remember. If I just drizzle some engine oil on it will that free it up enough for a temporary repair and to diagnose that that is the problem?

Also, is the UJ a tvr specific part or a ford part?

I've just spotted the 'won't go around corners' thread and will fit a gaiter when I replace the UJ should that be the problem.

Thanks,

Mark

>> Edited by mhibbins on Saturday 9th February 18:52

[GreenV8S]

quote: Also, is the UJ a tvr specific part or a ford part?

It's a TVR special I'm afraid. I guess thick engine oil *might* work but thinner penetrating oil would be better.

Cheers,
Peter Humphries (and a green V8S)

[mhibbins]

Ok, I'll try that tomorrow.

Thanks for your help.

Mark

[shpub]

It is pretty well documented in the S bible. One trick that isn't in there is to use some cling film to wrap around the joint when you oil it (spray on chain grease is good to) and then leave it overnight. Put something on the steering wheel to remind you to take the film off. Keeps the oil where you want it.

Steve
www.tvrbooks.co.uk

[mhibbins]

I changed the bearing and oiled the UJ. It was quite stiff but oil and a bit of manipulation have eased it up no end. I've also put a temporary homemade gater on it and filled it with moly grease so that should keep it flexible until I have time to replace it.

Driving it showed that it's all free and good, in fact it's better than it ever has been which just shows how these things creap up on you.

Thanks for all your advice.

Mark

[tvrmark]

The bottom UJ can go as well. I have had both replaced although the top one was the first to go.

Mark

[Dave_H]

I think the add-on gaiter has got to be the answer, My top UJ's just gone - I think the recent wet weather must of helped this.

Just ordered the pair from Tower View - another job pending I might as well move my bed out into my garage.