Stiff steering rack

[OPRN]

New issue, I haven't driven the '83 for a while and my kids tell me the steering is funny. Sure enough, it feels like something is seizing up, very stiff and the steering wheel does not want to return to center after a corner.

Ideas please?

[Fastbackjack]

Manual or power?

[OPRN]

That would be manual in '83.

[OPRN]

I take it from the lack of response to the question that this is not at all common?

[9FF]

Originally Posted by OPRN

That would be manual in '83.

Originally Posted by OPRN

I take it from the lack of response to the question that this is not at all common?

Power was an option in 83 so the question was warranted.

It is not common for any problems on a manual rack as they are just so simple. However two things can cause stiffness, the rack grease may be dried out so you need to strip and regrease it, or (more likely) the input shaft pinion adjuster is set too tight.

I’ll try and find a picture of the adjuster for you.

[9FF]

Searched but cannot find a clear picture but basically there is a diamond-shaped cover adjacent to the input shaft that has a 17mm locknut holding a 8mm bolt. Loosen the locknut and unscrew the bolt slightly and see if it loosens up. When it’s right just snug the bolt up to stop it being too loose and tighten the locknut to stop the bolt moving.

[OPRN]

Thanks 9FF, I was not aware that '83s could be ordered with PS, my bad!

I will check out the input bearing as suggested. No one has been playing with it though, perhaps corrosion has swelled something?

[thomasryan]

the castor setting is what returns the steering to center. you might inspect the castor block bushings.

seized upper strut mounts can inhibit the spring/strut from turning freely.

bad ball joints car also make the wheels difficult to turn if they are binding.

this time of year is air down time. check your pressures.

[OPRN]

Thanks thomasryan, this is way beyond a tire pressure thing or a castor error. It is a pop/snap feeling that will not allow the minute steering changes needed to hold a straight line on the highway. You end up zig-zagging your way down the road. Very tiring to say the least! And no it is not drivable this way!

Yes it could be ball joints or upper strut mounts easily.

[9FF]

Also check the intermediate shaft between the firewall and rack input, those bearings in the 30yo+ UJ’s might be worn and will cause all sorts of issues and could bind up the steering completely.