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Stiff Steering Wheel?

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KVH

KVH

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I jacked the front end of my TR4A off the ground and turned the wheels by hand, left and right, as if steering. They seemed rather stiff, though while driving all seems fine. A restoration manual I have says the wheels should be easy to turn left and right.

Can anyone describe how easy? I'm trying to verify I don't have the trunions binding up. I tried to oil them, but I'm not sure much oil went in. Plenty of grease went in.

thx
 
Re: Still Steering Wheel?

My TR4 is very easy to turn when the front wheels are off the ground. Rebuilt front suspension 2 years ago. Did you grease the steering box at the end of the column? That is often overlooked for years since you typically have to remove a bolt and add a grease zerk.
 
Re: Still Steering Wheel?

Hmmm. That concerns me.

I serviced the rack myself three months ago. I removed the top plug, plunger, spring, etc., measured the end float, repacked grease and put it back in. But it does seem tight to me even though I double checked things.

When I jack up the front end and use the steering wheel to turn the wheels, I also note a stiff feel. It's not loose and flowing. It feels like I'm applying some force--and I am actually.

Ideas?
 
Re: Still Steering Wheel?

Did you just rebuild the front end and install uprated springs. I found my TR6 front end was very stiff after I rebuilt mine with uprated springs. When I lowered the car to the ground all was fine. I think the spring was pulling apart the upper ball joint and the trunion causing them to bind without a load on them.
 
Re: Still Steering Wheel?

what shock absorber are you fellas using?I ran into this problem many years ago using KYB#343141 shocks. These are a bit longer than OEM Woodheads and preload your steering rack joints.To check this,lift the car until wheels are free,put a bottle jack under the trunnion or spring pan and lift the wheels approx 1/2 inch. Turn the wheels from side to side.This should relieve the joints if the shocks are the problem and steering should be nice and free.Does it hurt anything?,I don't know just didn't like preload on the rack.
I went to Gabriel gas shock #82128 which fits 74-78 Mustang II. With slight modifcation to the bottom mount, bolts right in.The bottom tube has to be cut to fit, but are the same length as the OEM Woodheads.
 
Re: Still Steering Wheel?

I checked my steering wheel resistence again, and "to me" it does still feel like the force to turn the wheel is excessive. The rack seems smooth with the tie rods disconnected, so I'm assuming I've got an issue with the trunions. But I'll first take the load off the springs as suggested and report what happens.

When driving, I don't notice any issue. It's very easy and smooth. Is that relevant, or do even bound up steering racks and trunions feel smooth on the road?

thx
 
Re: Still Steering Wheel?

Interesting. I hadn't realized they deleted the rebound stop on the 4A-6. Without it, I guess the shock absorber serves as the stop, which makes a too-long shock a definite problem.

But if that is the issue, I doubt it's the trunnions binding. More likely upper ball joints or tie rod ends. They have natural limits, while the trunnions would turn full circle if something else didn't stop them. IMO you should still should find and fix the problem, tho. Being forced against their limit every time you go over a big bump is bound to shorten their life.
 
Re: Still Steering Wheel?

yes, the front shock is your suspension stop on the 4A and TR6.Anything longer than the originals and you've got a binding problem,when you lift the front end up off the ground.
 
Re: Still Steering Wheel?

I got Woodheads from TRF not too long ago for about $35. Part #215768. If you wanna see if thats it come over and do my front end, they are not in yet.
 
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