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Steering Stiffness - BN2

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MikeAH100M

MikeAH100M

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Had to replace the bearings in the steering box (both front and back) on my BN2. While the box was out, I replaced the ball ends on the cross rod, greased everything in the front and realigned the front end. Put in new shims in the front of the box and added them in/took them out until the steering was easy/not tight. Then adjusted the nut on the peg to the worm gear so that there was no play. While the cars is jacked up the steering is smooth and easy. However, when I take it off the jacks, the steering is very stiff through the full lock-to-lock. Tires are inflated. It was not this stiff before the work so I missed something. Any suggestions?
 
Did you have the front suspension in its normal position when jacked up? If you let it droop, put a 2" (or so) block of wood under the upper A-arms to keep it in normal position when jacking it up. Then adjust the peg so you minimize slop while allowing smooth movement.
 
MikeAH100M said:
Had to replace the bearings in the steering box (both front and back) on my BN2. While the box was out, I replaced the ball ends on the cross rod, greased everything in the front and realigned the front end. Put in new shims in the front of the box and added them in/took them out until the steering was easy/not tight. Then adjusted the nut on the peg to the worm gear so that there was no play. While the cars is jacked up the steering is smooth and easy. However, when I take it off the jacks, the steering is very stiff through the full lock-to-lock. Tires are inflated. It was not this stiff before the work so I missed something. Any suggestions?
Click to expand...

Just because I've seen it done before...and you didn't specifically mention it...did you put oil back in the box?
 
Instead of the wood blocks, you could also jack the car up and then lower it onto jack stands under the spring plates to replicate the geometry present when the wheels would be on the ground. Then adjust your steering.
Bob
 
Just because I've seen it done before...and you didn't specifically mention it...did you put oil back in the box?

He also did not mention what he did about the PEG it could be severely worn on one side?
 
I did refill the steering box with the Penrite grease/oil.

I did not have the suspension in the "normal" position when the car was jacked up so will try the blocks/jack method. I did adjust the adjusting peg while the car was on the ground and did not find any difference in the stiffness, just more or less play in the steering.

I don't remember seeing any wear on the pin but did not specifically check that. If these other steps don't help, I'll pop the top off the box to inspect the pin. Thanks everyone for the suggestions.
 
Suggestions helped! thanks. I also followed a suggestion from a Norman Nock article and loosened the steering column from its mounting under the dash and allowed it to reposition itself before retightening.
 
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