Steering Stiffness

coltarms · Post by **coltarms** » Tue Jan 23, 2007 6:22 pm

My steering seems to have developed some stiff spots. I turn the wheel (moving or still) and the wheel really doesn't want to turn, then it turns really quick and then doesn't want to straighten (correct itself) out when I let it go. Any thoughts before I tear into it? It's not power steering.

keith · Post by **keith** » Tue Jan 23, 2007 6:57 pm

Before you dive into the most expensive part, there is a U-joint between the gear box and the steering column. What you describe sounds like this part is binding. This could be dangerous if you are driving it.

Other things could be binding it the tilt mechanism, adjust the tilt and see if it gets better. Could be a tie rod end, ball joint, loose upper bolt on the bottom of the strut.

Typrus · Post by **Typrus** » Tue Jan 23, 2007 7:07 pm

You say it isn't a Power Steering equipped car or you don't think its the P/S? If the latter, it sounds very much like low fluid causing air bubbles. If the former, I'd think to blame the U-joints. Maybe try putting some graphite lube into them or the likes to start to see if it helps? Grease will just attract dust with an open arrangement like ours.

Mac · Post by **Mac** » Tue Jan 23, 2007 7:11 pm

its called a slip yoke, mine was replaced years ago when the old one developed excessive free-play.

check the tie rods, get some pliars, and if its difficult to turn them forwards and backwards, it would be an indication, if it seems OK, you could remove the slip yoke and inspect it by hand.

takza · Post by **takza** » Wed Jan 24, 2007 6:36 am

I've got the manual steering. Soak the universal right above the rack in some light oil...they can get stiff enough to cause this. See if the problem goes away. If you lube it and keep it lubed...it will last a long time yet.

I had to replace mine cause it got loose...found one from a power steering Tercel that fit.

shogun · Post by **shogun** » Wed Jan 24, 2007 9:08 am

mine developed stiff spots because it was slightly bent, put in another one and problem fixed

simon84 · Post by **simon84** » Wed Jan 24, 2007 8:19 pm

my steering is clunky, but not sticky. I was told I need to replace the u-joint part in the steering shaft.
Is it easy to replace?

takza · Post by **takza** » Thu Jan 25, 2007 6:28 am

Not too bad...use lots of penetrant. The replacement should be from a car with PS...the manual steering puts a lot of stress on this part.