Manual steering box

[pmansson]

I have this on several cars. I have both the CSL version, ending in 108, and the E3 version ending in 153.
On one car I have too much movement, as measured at the rim of the wheel, before the car actually begins to turn. With the bonnet open, I can see that the steering arm moves immediately when I turn the steering wheel.
It is not the true gokart feel when you drive on the motorway and begin to turn the wheel. I would say the slack is about an inch back and forth.

On another car it is much more direct, or gokart like. Same suspension components, wheels and tyres. All parts on both cars´front suspension are new.

My question is: the small (inaccessible with large brake booster) locking nut should not be tightened too much. I know this from several sources. It is the same on my Jaguars, but perhaps I should tighten it just a bit more...???

In fact, one of my normal CSi cars with PS has more gokart feel to it than the 108 box on this car with too much play as I call it, yet there is no play when you move the steering wheel, and see the steering arm move.

Very strange! Any suggestions or experience on the matter?

 

[pmansson]

How tight?

I think the issue is the tightening screw on top of the box. I know that it is not to be overtightened.
The question is: how tight should it be? Perhaps best measured with the correct torque, whatever that value is...?
Measured at the steering wheel edge or with the box on the workbench?

I drove another car with a well set up CSL/108 box yesterday, and the feel of that steering wheel was tighter than the car with which I am not happy. Again: same components everywhere !!

 

[pmansson]

Found the culprit

It turned out to be the UJ above the pedals. The one which has two threaded pins which mount onto a round hard rubber disc. A small play in this old piece gave me the play in the steering wheel, esp at highway speed.
I ordered new ones for several cars. Easy to change esp when that dreadful cover panel is out.

 

[decoupe]

This is available in poly from Ireland Engineering.

Doug

 

[pmansson]

Not the disc´s fault

The old hard rubber disc is fine. It was the UJ between it and the upper steering column that had a small play in it.
I will change the rubber disc while parts are out, but doubt that I will use the red poly one that I ordered years ago along with yellow rubber mounts for engine and gearbox. I find them too stiff, at least on a non-racing car, having tried them for a long period.
What I do buy from IE, and use on all cars, are the fixed camber plates. They are very good and change the camber by just the right amount for everyday use.