Really odd steering problem on MGF.

Really odd steering problem on MGF.

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Discussion

jimpritchard

Original Poster:

4,193 posts

197 months

Friday 11th September 2009
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Had to replace my front brakes and discs last weekend... had problems getting the old discs off, they had attached themselves quite nicely to the car and effectively rusted on (I am told this is a common problem) ..
Anyway, we had to really beat the crap out of them to get them off, all replaced now, and braking is fine.
Steering however is anything but, power steering works fine up to about 20mph, anything above that and it's very stiff, to the point that I need both hands to steer at speed....
Has been suggested that tracking might be an issue, had it checked out and found it to be out by 2mm and 5mm, but even when this has been sorted, the steering is still bloody horrible...

car is 1999 model.. any thoughts people?

esselte

14,626 posts

273 months

Sunday 13th September 2009
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If you take your hands off the wheel does it try to self steer to the left?

thatone1967

Original Poster:

4,193 posts

197 months

Thursday 17th September 2009
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esselte said:
If you take your hands off the wheel does it try to self steer to the left?
nope... it's as straight as dye... I know the problem of the electric steering column failng, and I DID have this issue a month or so ago, and had it fixed by a chap in kent... this is completely different.....

esselte

14,626 posts

273 months

Thursday 17th September 2009
quotequote all
OK....silly question but as far as I know the power steering input is related to road speed..is your speedo working OK? I think if the steering ecu gets silly readings from the speedo then it can create problems...

thatone1967

Original Poster:

4,193 posts

197 months

Wednesday 23rd September 2009
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esselte said:
OK....silly question but as far as I know the power steering input is related to road speed..is your speedo working OK? I think if the steering ecu gets silly readings from the speedo then it can create problems...
speedo is absolutely fine.....

Yellow Fever

275 posts

237 months

Sunday 11th October 2009
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You may well have bent the steering rack with all the hammering - it's only a weedy Metro item. Jack both front wheels off the deck and with ign off, try moving steering end to end. If it's stiff then you've bent the rack with your brake disc hammering shenanigans. A new rack isn't dear from a specialist and fitting is a DIY job so long as the car is well (and safely) off the ground. Best on a ramp of course.

Check also for damage/friction in the ball joints on the track rod ends, but my money is on the rack. Just knocking the kerb can be enough to stuff them sometimes.