TR2/3/3A Oops...Steering Box Situation

[RGW]

In another post the other day I'd mentioned my 59 TR3A wouldn't turn to the left. The steering seemed blocked. It doesn't seem like the vertical links are bent, etc. So, I took off the top to the steering box just to have a look see.

I then sat next to the driver's side wheel and turned it by hand. As I did so, drop arm and trunion bracket (I think that's what they're called) shifted downward a bit. As I pushed them back upward to where they should sit, it seemed like the wheels were turning freely to the left (which they were not doing beforehand). This leads me to believe that the problem is in the steering box...any thoughts?

I then went to turn the steering wheel and it seems disconnected. It spins freely, without any affect on the wheels...seems like I've screwed something up...What have I done and how do I fix it?

And now for some more advice/encouragement. I've dabbled with cars for a long time, but not in a serious way. I've just acquired this TR3A...I grew up with them as my Dad was a serious sports car enthusiast (Triumphs, Healeys, MGs, and Minis), and now I'm trying to carry on the tradition, but I'm a newbie when comes to dealing with steering...I've looked into removing the TR3's apron and removing the steering box, but I start to get the heebie jeebies and feel like I'm going too deep for my skill set...Should I put on my Big Boy Pants and give it shot or should I try to find a mechanic to lend a hand?

Sorry for the long post and a million questions, but I really respect you guys and your advice.

Thanks,

GW

 

[sp53]

Yeh the peg probably lifted out of the worm gear and the worm gear is just spinning freeely. Be very careful if you put the peg down; do let it mash into the worm gear or you will chip it. Maybe consult the forum history and get some help to get the peg down and cover back on without damaging anything; stop turning the wheel without the cover.

 

[CJD]

+1. The box cannot be operated with the cover off.

To find the bind you will have to lay under the car and listen as someone turns the wheel back and forth. Watch and listen carefully. When you have a suspect, then remove the associated link to test your theory. The steering box should be near last.

 

[RGW]

Yeh the peg probably lifted out of the worm gear and the worm gear is just spinning freeely. Be very careful if you put the peg down; do let it mash into the worm gear or you will chip it. Maybe consult the forum history and get some help to get the peg down and cover back on without damaging anything; stop turning the wheel without the cover.

Thanks for the warnings...my main concern right now is resetting the peg and worm gear without damage. Seems like I went from bad to worse...I've researched the forum pretty extensively and can't seem to find a way to reset the peg. This morning, I'm thinking I'll center the wheels, center the steering wheel, replace the steering box plate and hope that it all seats itself...yeah, a pretty big wish, but kinda stumped for now.

Again, thanks for the help.

 

[RGW]

+1. The box cannot be operated with the cover off.

To find the bind you will have to lay under the car and listen as someone turns the wheel back and forth. Watch and listen carefully. When you have a suspect, then remove the associated link to test your theory. The steering box should be near last.

Yeah, I didn't realize that the cover was that important until doing a bit more research last night and reading your quote this morning. Planning to replace the cover today but really concerned about the peg and work gear lining up. If I manage that OK, I'll do as you suggest and spend more time looking and listening.

Thanks for the help.
]

 

[CJD]

Just turn the steering shaft while pushing downward on the peg. When the worm aligns with the peg, the pitman shaft will drop back down into place. There are no other alignments to worry about.

 

[RGW]

Just turn the steering shaft while pushing downward on the peg. When the worm aligns with the peg, the pitman shaft will drop back down into place. There are no other alignments to worry about.

Thanks. You've given me some confidence. Hoping to get to it this afternoon.

 

[sp53]

+1 with John--- it should drop back in--- go slow and maybe if you have to push up from underneath on the bottom of the pitman arm with your hand at the big nut if needed to free the peg from the worm gear so it can move; can you take a picture? Is the peg in the pitman arm? I have seen the pegs drop out of the arm. They had worn lose and lost their press fit. I am not trying to complicate this; it should go back down. I did the same thing once.
Steve