mystery vagueness?

[NicBowman]

Hi, I have just taken my steering rack out and checked it on teh bench, it is all clean and greased, no play you can feel, and has never let any water in. (Dave, I will return the bush plus spostage, so the next guy can have a go - ta). The Shimming is spot on, and there is no looseness as you move the rack through its range. But, my steering feels vague? Maybe this is normal?
I recon there is some movement elastically from the rack mount bushes, can you get stiffer bushes? Any clues as to vagueness?

Thanks

Nic

[z_chromozone]

NicBowman said:

Hi, I have just taken my steering rack out and checked it on teh bench, it is all clean and greased, no play you can feel, and has never let any water in. (Dave, I will return the bush plus spostage, so the next guy can have a go - ta). The Shimming is spot on, and there is no looseness as you move the rack through its range. But, my steering feels vague? Maybe this is normal? I recon there is some movement elastically from the rack mount bushes, can you get stiffer bushes? Any clues as to vagueness? Thanks Nic

Have you have checked / replaced all your front suspension bushes. If the play is not in the rack you are likely to find it there.

Z

[Roy C]

Are the two steering column UJ's OK?

[Wildfire]

Steering Bearing?

[GreenV8S]

Ball joints? Tyre pressure/geometry?

[Roy C]

Loose nut behind the wheel?

Sorry, couldn't resist.
I'll get me S.

[tvrgit]

wheel alignment?

[NicBowman]

Ta all, definately a loose nut behind the wheel!

The steering geometry is good, 1 degree camber and parallel tracking. I am trying a little bit of toe in to see if it improves. The front suspension is all excellent, having just been rebuilt, no play in anything. Tyres are new. I have got some play in the lower column bearing, but I cant seem to get it to contribute to play when wobbling the steering wheel on ramps? Perhaps I should change it anyway? My UJ's in the column also look crap, although they dont have play, does anyone know where to buy and how much?

Thanks

Nic

[lwt]

Loose nut at the wheel is not just a joke - play and a steering 'clunk' on mine was solved the day before MoT when, having tried all else including new UJ's I prised the TVR cap off the wheel and applied a socket to the nut. Despite no visual gap, it moved almost a turn. Problem solved, MoT passed.

[GreenV8S]

Could you be a bit less 'vague' about the problem?

Is it play somewhere in the steering system/suspension, or lack of feedback/stability when driving?