Amazon: Steering clunk...

[Faust]

I’ve got an annoying clunk coming from my steering system.

I’ve replaced both track rod ends in the last couple of weeks, all the tie rods are about a year old and the steering coupling (collapsible type) is in good order. There appears to be no play in the idler arm (bush was replaced 5 years ago).

I got my missus to turn the wheel whilst I checked for any obvious causes: the ‘clunk’ appears to be coming from the steering box. With my hand placed on it, I can feel vibration on the outside of the casing. It seems to be most prominent with the steering wheel turned 80% to the right.

It’s full of the correct oil and there appears to be aprox 4 turns of adjustment on the top screw.

Will I need a new or replacement box of is there a way around this?

I note that Brookhouse sell re-bushing kits. Is this likely to help? Easy job? (never messed about with a steering box before and I don’t want to screw it up!)

Any thoughts or suggestions will be appreciated as always.

Car is a 1970 133 if this makes any difference.

[Derek UK]

The amount of apparent play in the box increases rapidly as you get toward full lock. This is normal for this sort of box. Jack up under the front cross member and see how the play increases as you add lock. Yes they do wear after a lot of miles and the free play at the centre point of the steering will increase a bit compared to new, even when correctly adjusted. If it feels right and drives right, no worries. The only time you'll be on full or close to full is when manoeuvring at slow speeds so not a problem. Doubt if you're drifting or rallying, so driving fast with lots of lock on won't happen very often.
Bush kit can be fitted but the bushes need to be reamed to match the shaft. Not normally considered a home DIY job. If the bottom bush is badly worn it will usually mean that the life of the bottom oil seal is shortened and the box will leak. When this happens and the box isn't topped up quickly, the worm and gear will wear. Oil leakage is common and unfortunately has meant the death of a lot of boxes. Bottom line, if it leaks fit a new seal.

[Faust]

Thanks for the reply Derek.

It's not the play at lock that concerns me, rather the 'clunk' or 'notchy' feel I occasionally get.

Example: driving along in a straight line, turn right at a junction 'clunk', straighten the wheel back up, 'clunk'.

Thing is, I don't get this clunk every time...

There is no sign of any oil leaks... thankfully!

[arcturus]

for what it's worth I used to have a similar symptom on my 940. It turned out that the roll bar was making contact with part of the suspension. with the car on it's wheels, perhaps jacked up a little to make steering easier have someone turn the steering wheel back and forth whilst you look underneath. Different car and different steering and suspension I know, but worth a try.

[Derek UK]

Hmm, I'd certainly get under the car and check that ALL of the bolts involved in the steering and suspension were tight. Also check the lower outer suspension ball joints. They can be tricky to check and even the MOT man might miss them. If he has a lift with "shuffle" tables for under the front wheels that usually shows up any problems.

[Faust]

Originally Posted by Derek UK

Hmm, I'd certainly get under the car and check that ALL of the bolts involved in the steering and suspension were tight. Also check the lower outer suspension ball joints. They can be tricky to check and even the MOT man might miss them. If he has a lift with "shuffle" tables for under the front wheels that usually shows up any problems.

Thanks again...

Should've mentioned that all ball joints, bushes, arms, springs and dampers are less than 2 years old... the noise has only recently started.

I'll give everything a damn good check & tighten as suggested though.

@ Acrturus: thanks for the suggestion - I'll also check this out (can't hurt after all!)

I'm thinking that it might be easier to pass the ball onto a local garage: always easier to diagnose using a 4 post lift... I really don't like being beaten though.

I'll have a look-see this weekend and update this thread with any results.