BJ8 Steering Wheel Chatter

[67BJ8]

I put new front and rear shocks on my Austin Healey 3000. It also has had the king pins replaced. Whenever I go over a rough part in the road, the steering wheel has a chatter in it for less than a second. Is this typical due to the stiff suspension or is it indicative of a suspension problem? It had the chatter before the shocks were replaced.

 

[Keoke]

HI Again:
You may have worn steering rod or tie rod ends causing this problem. It definitely is a problem some where in the steering assemblies OK

Each rod end will have to be dimantled and checked for excessive end play, or looseness.

The steering box as well as the steering idler should also be checked for excessive end play and worn bushings.

 

[67BJ8]

Thanks for all of your help. I have been working on the car off and on for about 16 years. I had it down to the the last nut and bolt at one time. I have retired 5 weeks ago and I am trying to get the mechanicals in order. I will start looking at the suspension. I was hoping that the new shocks would correct the problem. I had the engine rebuilt: bored .030" over with an upgraded cam, all new bearings, and a no lead head by John Kuhar at Medina Motorsports. The engine performs very well, but the handling is just not right.

 

[Patrick67BJ8]

Thanks for all of your help. I have been working on the car off and on for about 16 years. I had it down to the the last nut and bolt at one time. I have retired 5 weeks ago and I am trying to get the mechanicals in order. I will start looking at the suspension. I was hoping that the new shocks would correct the problem. I had the engine rebuilt: bored .030" over with an upgraded cam, all new bearings, and a no lead head by John Kuhar at Medina Motorsports. The engine performs very well, but the handling is just not right.

Just a thought...with the car sitting still, can you grab the steering column and shake it? I had one loose in its mounting several years ago. Patrick

 

[BUNDYRUM]

Hello Patrick67BJ8,

In the top of the column there is supposed to be a felt bush that fits between the inner steering shaft and outer column. This is supposed to take up any sideways/up and down movement in the inner steering shaft. (That is not in and out movement of the inner steering shaft).

Some may call the inner steering shaft the inner column but it's what the steering wheel is attached to.

Best Regards,

bundyrum.