Loose steering

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CleMR2
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Loose steering

Post by CleMR2 »

Haven't been on the forums in a while so hello again to those that remember me.

I'm having a problem with loose steering at the moment that's got me baffled, basically at motorway speeds I can feel the car constantly pulling to one side then the other as if there's play in something; it's quite scary if I really boot it and it's difficult to stay in lane because I feel like I'm fighting with the steering wheel at times.

So far this weekend I've changed the following on the front end:-

Lower ball joints
Track rod ends
Control arm bushes
Strut rod bushes (slight play in the old ones these but made no difference)

It passed an MOT on Thursday after I asked them to try hard to find something wrong and it's had eight wheel alignments in four different garages in the past month although some of those were crap (long story).

I've also checked the steering rack for the tie rods unscrewing themselves (happened once before) and the wheels themselves don't seem to have any play in them so I'm not doubting the wheel bearings or the steering rack itself.

I've run out of ideas now so if anyone can suggest anything else to try I'm all ears.

Sorry if you see this thread on other forums but I'm supposed to be driving to Scotland for the Highland Drive on Wednesday so I'm really desperate now.


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Re: Loose steering

Post by Steve-M-UK »

Subframe bolts tight?

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Re: Loose steering

Post by CleMR2 »

Lol, it's a MK1, no subframe.
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Re: Loose steering

Post by Steve-M-UK »

No idea then , is there any wear in the shocker top mounts.

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Re: Loose steering

Post by CleMR2 »

There doesn't seem to be any play in the struts so I guess not, no clunking either.
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Re: Loose steering

Post by SonicSW20 »

You checked the steering column universal joint?
Rev5 Sonic Shadow
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Re: Loose steering

Post by CleMR2 »

Hadn't thought of that, I'll try that tomorrow.

What's the best way to test it?
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Re: Loose steering

Post by CleMR2 »

I had a look at the UJ and it seemed OK so I removed the steering column and found play in the shaft. Someone on IMOC posted a link (below) which demonstrates a common fault so hopefully I've identified now.

http://www.mr2.com/forums/threads/95206 ... Y-at-Shaft
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Re: Loose steering

Post by Steve-M-UK »

Get it bolted solid like the link describes and put it back together.

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Re: Loose steering

Post by CleMR2 »

Will probably go for welding or maybe drop some liquid poly in there.
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Re: Loose steering

Post by Steve-M-UK »

Yea but can you do that today and still make the HD?

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Re: Loose steering

Post by CleMR2 »

Will need to take it to a garage and then get a wheel alignment, not enough time now Steve.
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Re: Loose steering

Post by vinp182 »

Stop making excuses and get it fixed dude, then just come n meet us :th:
Cars suck donkey balls
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Re: Loose steering

Post by Steve-M-UK »

Or bring a cordless drill and a bolt, limp to Dumbarton and we will fix it.

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