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TR6 Looser steering & brake pull

pdplot

Yoda
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Took the TR6 out for a run this am before the rainstorm will hit. 1. Ran perfectly but I noticed the steering was developing a little play in the center - not as bad as a TR3 but not as crisp as an MG TD. What is the most likely culprit? 2. Brakes pulled a bit to the left and didn't seem as good as usual. Will have to pull the right side wheels and have my wife hit the brakes. Will report my findings.
 
Steering is acceptable so nothing done. I'm comparing it to the 2018 Subaru. Adjusted the rear brakes which were fine as was the left front. The right front wheel was turning but dragging which tells me that the piston must be sticking and not moving in and out. That would explain the pull to the left. But I'm not going to work on it. After checking this stuff and while removing the jack, I fell on the driveway and scraped my knee and wrists. Boys - my days of working on cars- except for adjusting carbs and tuneup work - is officially over. In three weeks I'll be 86. Time to quit. 70 years of working on cars is enough.
 
The other thing I would look at if a car came into the shop with that specific complaint was suspension.
Loose steering, tie rod end, possibly ball joints, if rack, rack bushings, that kind of thing.

But pulling can often be something like a tie rod, ball joint, allowing one wheel to kick out of line under braking. Usually grabbing front wheels at 9 and 3 o'clock and shaking will show differences in left and right sides if a problem. Usually don't even have to jack it up.
 
86...well,:bow: you done good making it this far. I hope to do as well.
 
Thanks, Poolboy. Just keep doing the things you like to do for as long as you can.
Both front wheels are tight. There's a tiny bit of play in the left front - barely measurable. The rubber parts are a bit tired looking. See pictures. I took it out after adjusting and the pull was barely noticeable. Evidently the rear brake adjustment helped a bit. I pumped the brakes hard hoping to free up the piston if it was stuck. The car doesn't get driven much and that may be a problem. Sway bar link2.jpgTie rod end.jpg
How do they look to you experts?
 
Really hard to tell externally. But, big pair of Channelocks, squeeze the tie rod end together.End of the stud one end, top in the middle or net to the grease fitting. Just to make sure.Control arm bushings, look at them.My wife's car after new tires got real squirrely at speeds over 70, lower ball joints 1/4" of play, tops loose.
 
Only hope I can still get out and get under at 86 well done I only have 8 years to go.

Graham
 
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