Lenny Posted November 2, 2009 Share Posted November 2, 2009 91' Classic. Steering felt heavy, so changed power steering belt (original belt 10yrs+ old) but only a slight improvement. Have noticed steering-box has been leaking over some time, noticed fluid residue on chassis area beneath. Any ideas where else I should be checking or would it be the box overhaul? thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Orange90-J- Posted November 2, 2009 Share Posted November 2, 2009 Very likely to be a typical leaky steering box its self mate i replaced a fare few, but also before you go ripping the steering box of just check the rubber pipe to the reservoir as i once had a dodgy jubilee clip causing the fluid to leak out running down the pipe onto the steering box... so at first glance it looked like the steering box was goosed but all was needed was a new jubilee clip. (you may not ba as lucky as 99% of the time its the box but defo worth a check) hope this is some help jai... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rocksteady Posted November 2, 2009 Share Posted November 2, 2009 Check the fluid level, if low, top up and keep an eye on it to see how quickly it drops. If it looses to much to quickly replace the stearing box. Recon ok for light use, for heavy useage go for a new one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lenny Posted November 3, 2009 Author Share Posted November 3, 2009 cheers guys, The level looks to be OK, but the hoses are probably perished which doesn't help the detective work. What about the Steering Pump itself - could it be that component failing - any give aways as to its state? I guess if the steering box is leaking there is some pressure loss occuring. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveRK Posted November 3, 2009 Share Posted November 3, 2009 Its worth checking that there is no resistance in all those steering joints before considering changing the pump - upper & lower swivel pins as well as the various steering arm joints/track rod ends can add to stiffness. To check them you will likely need to disconnect one or more of the track rod ends to isolate them from the steering box Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iomlt Posted November 3, 2009 Share Posted November 3, 2009 Its worth checking that there is no resistance in all those steering joints before considering changing the pump - upper & lower swivel pins as well as the various steering arm joints/track rod ends can add to stiffness. To check them you will likely need to disconnect one or more of the track rod ends to isolate them from the steering box and steering damper Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveRK Posted November 6, 2009 Share Posted November 6, 2009 Good point iomit - I forgot about that item - a seized or damaged (bent) damper will really add some poundage required to turn the wheels, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lenny Posted November 6, 2009 Author Share Posted November 6, 2009 Ok thanks, how do I determine what stiffness these components should be at - i've never checked them before? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
terratology Posted November 6, 2009 Share Posted November 6, 2009 With the steering arms disconnected the swivels should should have the resistance of a house door opening. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lenny Posted November 7, 2009 Author Share Posted November 7, 2009 Right well jacked the front axle up on a stand and gave the wheel a few turns back and forth... When turning the steering wheel - resistance starts at nothing to more noticeable then to nothing and to noticeable until max travel in that direction is reached(say left), and then exactly the same when returning wheel back to straight position. Like an alternating cycle of turning difficulty if that makes sense? This is a strange one - vehicle has been sorn and driven very little in the past 11 months - perhaps 20 miles total from occasional round the block engine treats. I'm not convinced anything is ceased as i believe we would have heard the horrible sound of grinding but not certain - you mentioned damper may have ceased but i don't have a clue how to determine this. thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paintman Posted November 8, 2009 Share Posted November 8, 2009 Have a look at the joints in the steering column these can stiffen up/seize - especially if they have been wet or you have pressure washed under the bonnet. Use a good penetrating oil. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveRK Posted November 8, 2009 Share Posted November 8, 2009 cyclic able stiffness whilst turning the wheel indicates a problem in the steering box. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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