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LOTS of wheel play
- Thread starter Afrodesia
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TR3driver
Great Pumpkin - R.I.P
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There really aren't any adjustments to compensate for wear. The steering box has two adjustments, but they are really for manufacturing tolerances. Assuming they were set properly to begin with, trying to use them to compensate for wear is very likely to result in binding under some circumstances. I recently ignored my own advice, and now the steering doesn't want to return to center as it should (plus I still have almost as much play as before).
So my suggestion is to live with it, until you are ready to start replacing the worn parts.
It's worth noting, perhaps, that the TR3 steering system is designed to have some play when off-center. If the steering box is not centered to the front wheels, you can wind up having that off-center play when the wheels are in the straight-ahead position. Most alignment shops seem to not understand this concept.
There is (or was) an aftermarket piece intended to eliminate this "off center" play, but I don't recommend it. My experience has been that it usually won't solve the problem, but will make the steering much harder.
Causes of excess play include (roughly in order):
1) Broken/missing rubber in the "silentblocs" (the joints between the center link and the pitman/idler arms).
2) Wear in idler arm.
3) Wear in tie rod ends.
4) Wear inside steering box.
All are relatively inexpensive to replace, although rebuilding the steering box does take a few special tools & techniques (plus having the box out of the car). TRF sells some aftermarket replacements for the silentblocs that should last much longer (using Delrin instead of rubber).
So my suggestion is to live with it, until you are ready to start replacing the worn parts.
It's worth noting, perhaps, that the TR3 steering system is designed to have some play when off-center. If the steering box is not centered to the front wheels, you can wind up having that off-center play when the wheels are in the straight-ahead position. Most alignment shops seem to not understand this concept.
There is (or was) an aftermarket piece intended to eliminate this "off center" play, but I don't recommend it. My experience has been that it usually won't solve the problem, but will make the steering much harder.
Causes of excess play include (roughly in order):
1) Broken/missing rubber in the "silentblocs" (the joints between the center link and the pitman/idler arms).
2) Wear in idler arm.
3) Wear in tie rod ends.
4) Wear inside steering box.
All are relatively inexpensive to replace, although rebuilding the steering box does take a few special tools & techniques (plus having the box out of the car). TRF sells some aftermarket replacements for the silentblocs that should last much longer (using Delrin instead of rubber).
Thanks Randall.
I was aware of some apparent play but the amount I am experiencing is way more than 'normal'. Anything faster than 20 mph & I appear to be a drunk driver.
I'm sure all of the above can use a re-do/replace. In addition to the nose piece...my mother-in-law just ran into it about an hour ago.
I was aware of some apparent play but the amount I am experiencing is way more than 'normal'. Anything faster than 20 mph & I appear to be a drunk driver.
I'm sure all of the above can use a re-do/replace. In addition to the nose piece...my mother-in-law just ran into it about an hour ago.
I was already toying with the idea of having my brother-in-law work his resto magic on it but kinda wanted to enjoy it in its unrestored splendor for a while (plus, I didn't want to have it sent all the way to NC so soon after I got it.) This may speed things up considering its a pretty obvious smoosh.
Pat Galvin may assist me in assessing damage, as well as other things it needs done this weekend. He lives close-by & I will provide copious amounts of refreshments in exchange. ,
Pat Galvin may assist me in assessing damage, as well as other things it needs done this weekend. He lives close-by & I will provide copious amounts of refreshments in exchange. ,
mrv8q
Luke Skywalker
Offline
Sorry about the meeting with the mother in law. As far as the steering play, first thing I would look at are the silentblocs; perhaps fhey have perished. When the rubber disintegrates while you are still driving: not fun!
Kudos to that Galvin character for his interest.
Kudos to that Galvin character for his interest.
Good luck to that Galvin character on drinking all the beer. I can probably match him, plus, the beer around here is like the oil in the menorah. He'll most definitely earn it, I ask a lot of questions.
As much as I'd wanted to keep the car original, I know there will be some 'upgrades' for safety & such I will undertake. Like those new-fangled doohickeys they call 'seatbelts'. I hear they're all the rage these days.
In regard to silent blocs, I'm assuming those can't be found at the local parts store, right?
As a side note, I was perusing my dad's old Victoria British catalogs and found that parts are almost the same price now as they were back in the 80's. It seems he would've been able to finish his cars without going broke nowadays!
As much as I'd wanted to keep the car original, I know there will be some 'upgrades' for safety & such I will undertake. Like those new-fangled doohickeys they call 'seatbelts'. I hear they're all the rage these days.
In regard to silent blocs, I'm assuming those can't be found at the local parts store, right?
As a side note, I was perusing my dad's old Victoria British catalogs and found that parts are almost the same price now as they were back in the 80's. It seems he would've been able to finish his cars without going broke nowadays!
Geo Hahn
Yoda
Offline
Afrodesia said:
Right. But note that if it does come time to replace these there are some upgraded solutions available that may give better service.
You can tell if these (or other components) are a part of the steering slop by viewing the action of the linkages (flashlight, lying under the front of the car) whilst someone wiggles the steering wheel. You're looking at what moves and what doesn't move or at least doesn't move as much as it should (i.e. places where action is lost).
PatGalvin
Jedi Warrior
Offline
I am disappointed in my BCF friends for exposing my true motivations to Tracy. It was a fine (albeit simple) ruse to enhance my intake of my favorite beverage. Now, I'm sure I'll be expected to actually make positive contributions to sorting out Tracy's new toy.
Pat
Pat