Stiff steering

[alfadave]

I've got late Sprint front struts/ outboard brakes.

Steering has become quite stiff.

How do I identify its cause?

Could be track rod ends/ upper yellow bearings/ lower ball joints ??

[LooLooSud33Spider]

Hi Dave.
Firstly I’d start by jacking up the car then disconnect each TRE and check each strut for free and easy movement. if both struts turn nice and freely then spin the rack lock to lock to eliminate rack problems.
If either strut is stiff then the obvious thing to look at will be the strut bearings and replace as required preferably wit( the later ones in the yellow plastic housing. if the struts are free but the rack is stiff then the rack will probably need to come off. There’s a bearing on the pinion shaft that could be seizing up (under the black cap in the photo) I can help with technical info for stripping and rebuilding the rack if you need to. I rebuilt my rack Some time ago

The preload on the rack can be adjusted by removing the clear white cap and turning the adjuster screw. Note It has to end up aligning with a slot so the cap can be refitted (it’s a safety thing) don’t over tighten as it will affect the self Centering action if the steering ,
There is also a basic setting when reassembling to ensure the rack is centred correctly
Hope this helps
Lou

[alfadave]

Thanks Lou,
Will follow your advice.

Dave

[KevJTD]

Also don't forget the basics, check the tyre pressures.
This cold snap makes the pressure drop in the same way as them getting hot makes them go up.
Seen plenty this week with the warning lights on for that reason.
Could easily be nearly 10 psi down on what they may have been set at in summer.

The column itself needs to be considered.

I'd do exactly as suggested though, after checking pressures.
Disconnecting into sub sections if you like, that way you can eliminate whole areas, or pinpoint them.

[alfadave]

Yes the tyre pressures were a bit low!
But still needs checking out I think.

[StescoG66]

What bearing is on your car? Mine originally had the yellow bearing under the lower spring pan, plus the top mount with a bearing built in (now has only yellow bearing with fixed rubber top mount)
Going by my recollection of the state mine were in, I would wager the lower bearings are shot.

[alfadave]

They are used struts off a late Sprint.
I've never stripped them down.
I presumed they just have yellow bearings at the top?

[alfadave]

Still not checked out the strut bearings......
but as they are probably 30 years old, I anticipate them being shot.

I must be getting old (true!) and don't fancy the strut rebuild job, so good to know that John at Justsuds will offer this service, and has all the parts to hand.

[alfadave]

John also tells me he has the metal spring plates shot blasted and powder coated.

Although hammerite would be quite acceptable for me.

[alfadave]

.........makes me wonder if John should update the Justsuds website, and let the world know what an important service he offers for Sud and Sprint owners?

[justsuds]

I should .... but steel fabrication is my main business, and it keeps me busy, so a managable number of enquiries and orders of Sud bits is great, but there is no point in chasing business that I couldn't cope with, - I struggle at times now. I appreciate the business, and it is a pleasant distraction from welding bits of metal together, but bills have to be paid, and unfortunately there aren't enough Suds out there to do it full time.
Cheers, John.

[alfadave]

Got the car supported and TRE's off.
Realised I had stripped them down and fitted new bearings/gaiters etc a few years ago.
Memory fading with age!

Both struts free turning.
Rack turns nice and light.

Maybe I think the steering is stiff because I often drive my wifes Mazda 2 with finger light steering?