white90 Posted January 23, 2006 Share Posted January 23, 2006 After a day spent replacing a steering box and a few other jobs I go for a test drive to find the leaking steering box has gone but! it still has tight spots 90degrees either side of straight ahead, requiring the wheel to be straightened as selfcentering doesn't happen. I'm thinking it is more likley to be the UJ's than one or more ball joint, the old box was removed for this problem along with the developing leak from the drop arm. any suggestions? the steering UJ's are approx 2years old the ball joints range from 6months to 2years old the power steering pump less than 6months old, steering damper approx 1year old. all the above seem to be in ok condition, I'm going to order some UJ's and change them along with a set of ball joints I can disconnect the steering damper to check if it is that. Sugestions/ideas very welcomed Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bull Bar Cowboy Posted January 23, 2006 Share Posted January 23, 2006 Yes to the steering damper, but watch your speed . Whilst the box is disconnected it would be wise to check steering column bushes. As most things have been changed also check for a tight/damaged swivel joint. This problem is normally caused by a badly adjusted steering box …….. but you seemed to have ruled that out . Ian Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul Posted January 23, 2006 Share Posted January 23, 2006 Tony, most of your problems are undoubtably caused by the front and rear axles being too close together. They should be 110" apart for best performance. Or, on a more useful note...you could try dousing the steering UJs with WD40 and see if that makes any difference. Paul Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BogMonster Posted January 23, 2006 Share Posted January 23, 2006 Tony I may have said before, but we had a 110 at work a while back with a "tight spot" (loss of self centreing coming out of corner) and it was a U/S steering damper. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mo Murphy Posted January 23, 2006 Share Posted January 23, 2006 Tony, Also check that the drop arm doesn't foul the steering guard. Mo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Exmoor Beast Posted January 23, 2006 Share Posted January 23, 2006 Tony, most of your problems are undoubtably caused by the front and rear axles being too close together. They should be 110" apart for best performance. brilliant Will B) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bush65 Posted January 23, 2006 Share Posted January 23, 2006 One possibility is that there is wear in the steering box and the screw for backlash adjustment has been tightened down to far. Although it does sound like the u-joints, because I assume you don't know the history of the steering box, I would back off the backlash adjustment to eliminate it before spending money and time on the other possibilities. BTW, 100" to 105" gives the best performance Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
will_warne Posted January 23, 2006 Share Posted January 23, 2006 Tony, I'd be suprised if its UJs, they should last longer than 2 years but it seems to be a sensible thing to try. One thing I'd look at is the Sumo bar track rod to see if its slightly bent. Its not unheard of and could just be catching on the axle or gaurd bracket. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
white90 Posted January 23, 2006 Author Share Posted January 23, 2006 thanks all I'll report back the problem is the same after the steering box was replaced. Tony Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
landrover598 Posted January 23, 2006 Share Posted January 23, 2006 BTW, 100" to 105" gives the best performance Agreed Don't run too long without a steering damper because the death wobble isn't a nice experience Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
white90 Posted January 23, 2006 Author Share Posted January 23, 2006 well Sprayed the steering UJ's with lubricant whilst turning it lock to lock and the tight spots have gone So I've ordered new UJ's and will report back once they're fitted. cheers all Tony Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
white90 Posted January 24, 2006 Author Share Posted January 24, 2006 Bottom Steering UJ was the problem replaced both and normal service has resumed. Thanks for the advice/tips/laughs(110 Barge owners) Tony Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JST Posted January 24, 2006 Share Posted January 24, 2006 Exactly as you diagnosed on mine 6mths ago then!!!! typical Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robhybrid Posted January 24, 2006 Share Posted January 24, 2006 See if you didnt look after your truck so well and allowed the engine to spring a few more oil leaks you would have self lube UJ's I know they get more abuse when running large tyres but 2 years is a bit poor though Have you (king of bling/or was it clenlyness) been steam cleaning your engine bay Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
white90 Posted January 25, 2006 Author Share Posted January 25, 2006 I do wash the engine bay but I suspect the steering box going west had a hand in the demise of the lower UJ. I'll keep them lubed from now to see how long these last. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul Posted January 25, 2006 Share Posted January 25, 2006 Thanks for the advice/tips/laughs(110 Barge owners)Tony Mine's bigger than yours! (I don't often get to say that and have it be true) Paul Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jules Posted January 25, 2006 Share Posted January 25, 2006 This problem is normally caused by a badly adjusted steering box …….. but you seemed to have ruled that out .Ian If the box is too tight it will become lumpy and not self correct it may be worth turning it off a bit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.