Steering reluctant to self centre...

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Steering reluctant to self centre...; steering
Topic Started: Sat Aug 15, 2009 6:23 am (177 Views)
quenching	Sat Aug 15, 2009 6:23 am Post #1
Member Posts: 84 Group: Members Member #2,660 Joined: May 22, 2008	The steering on my '92 2L 190e auto is reluctant to return to the centre position on its own after cornering. Its been like this since I got it a year ago but I've just adjusted to it rather than fix it. However, I haven't been using the car much lately and if left sitting for 2 weeks the problem seems worse, if I turn a corner and let got of the wheel the car won't straighten up but will continue to turn. Seems to sort itself out a bit after its driven a few miles though, but still persists to the extent it always was. Now, it passed its NCT (similar to MOT) a few months ago and when up on the ramp I noticed that the tester couldn't swivel the front wheels by hand, engine was off at the time. If the engine was turned on he could just about manage it. At its last service the mechanic mentioned the steering box was very tight and should really be replaced - same symptoms led him to this diagnosis. But, after reading thought the Chassis ann Handling section I see similar issues mentioned and lots of people suggest the ball joints are the problem rather than steering box. Which is more likely, ball joints or steering box, and how can I diagnose which one. Whats a reasonable price to get either problem fixed, I seem to remember steering boxes being difficult to source and expensive. The car has done 160k miles but been well looked after.



shrekky	Sat Aug 15, 2009 7:32 am Post #2
Member Posts: 3,909 Group: Members Member #223 Joined: March 23, 2006	the balljoints on these cars can go without warning or very little warning..............and yes a duff steering box could be the problem,bets source for these are scrapyards,as a recon one with set you back in the region of a 1000 euro ..............my advice is to start with the cheapest option,the balljoints,@13 euro each ,it cant hurt to change them



alogaparaloga	Sat Aug 15, 2009 7:34 am Post #3
crazy mind Posts: 602 Group: Members Member #2,419 Joined: March 14, 2008	after checking the ball joints, check the bushes of the wishbones and then tie rods. If these are okcheck the rest of the steering components, but before going to the gearbox repair, it will be good to have an wheel alignment check. Wheel alignment fixed some steering issues on mine.



balamb37	Sat Aug 15, 2009 11:06 am Post #4
Member Posts: 560 Group: Members Member #3,881 Joined: February 25, 2009	I think the first thing to check would be the 'steering fluid', if that's low it will give you the same symptoms. And after topping up don't forget to bleed by turning to 'full lock' on both sides a couple of times. . Edited by balamb37, Sat Aug 15, 2009 11:09 am.



stwat	Sat Aug 15, 2009 5:11 pm Post #5
Moderator Posts: 12,357 Group: Moderator Member #28 Joined: November 11, 2005	You say you have adjusted it. What exactly have you adjusted? As well as checking out what the others have said, id also agree with alogaparaloga and get the tracking/wheel alignment checked.



kentronix	Sat Aug 15, 2009 5:22 pm Post #6
Admin Posts: 16,340 Group: Admin Member #147 Joined: January 20, 2006	I think he is saying "he adjusted to it" Although thats reminded me, it may be that the steering box has been adjusted too tightly. There is an adjustment and lock nut for adjusting out the play. It sounds like it may be too tight. Its pretty easy to get to on the 2litre I think, its a nut on the top of the steering box thats down below the exhaust manifold. Loosen the locknut and turn the main nut just 1/4 of a turn at a time. Then tighten the locknut. I think the thread may be reversed so check that first. Worth checking I reckon.



quenching	Fri Aug 21, 2009 3:57 pm Post #7
Member Posts: 84 Group: Members Member #2,660 Joined: May 22, 2008	Thanks for all the suggestions, all much appreciated. I'll start with the cheapest options and work my way up, hopefully I don't get as far as a recon steering box! I'll report back if anything does the trick.



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