Steering (or lack of)
The stearing on my 280 seems vague even for a G. This on it's own isn't necessarily a problem but, on occasion, it takes over completely and urges the car into the middle of the road. Due to the vagueness, my correction can take an alarming (more for the small family hatchback coming the other way than myself) amount of time to register. It seems only to occur at low/medium speeds i.e. less than 40mph and often after going over a bump or two.
I'm hoping to get the car up onto a ramp soon so is there anything I should look out for while underneath it?
Hello Grecian, :D
It’s YOU, again! :shock: But, with a different problem.
For your steering problem, it seems you may have excessive play of something. :?:
Check your tyre profile initially, for, worn tyres, the edges are rounded and could even be irregular in shape, you may need to renew your tyres as well, as, whatever else you may find.
Check for correct tyre pressures of all road wheels, wheel bearing play of both front wheels, check and inspect for any excessive play in any of the ball joints on the steering drag link or even the tie-rods. Check on the steering box play, adjust as necessary, bearing in mind almost 50% of adjustments develop a drop arm seal leak.
Check for frail, front and rear stabiliser bushes, of both, front and rear stabilisers.
Weak front steering damper could a cause for issue, if, your steering wheel violently fights you going over bumps or over speeds of say 45 plus M.P.H. – especially on bends, the steering vibration can be severe enough to wrench the steering grip.
Regards, :wink:
Drivers side front tyre has uneven wear (more on outside). Pressure's OK.
Didn't seem to be any excessive play but most of the bushes could do with replacing. When jacked up the front wheel 'wobble' about 5mm each way I'd say. Does that sound reasonable?
There was quite a bit of play in the rear stabilisers (I think - as picture?). Could that be the cause?
Hi Tom suggest have the tracking checked...30/40mph is around the speed that the toein centres and if you have any toeout on the drivers side the pull will be to centre of the road....and wear the tread......
My garage think that excessive play in the steering box (~3" travel) and uneven balance of the rear shocks is most likely at fault along with the tyres. We're going to try swapping the rear (new) tyres with the front (worn) ones to start with.
Is adjusting the steering box play fairly intuitive. Any advice I can give them?
They also said the track rod ends/drag links are worn and that the two of the front and four of the rear stabiliser bushes are worn/displaced although there isn't excessive play in them.
Hi Tom steering box addjustment is easy!!! open bonnet... look at top of steering box ...large nut with allen key centre....back off the nut rotate centre 1mm at a time..must be done with front wheels off the ground and check full lock both ways for tightness with each adjustment until satified NOTE*** there is a tendency for the box to leak from the seal behind the drop arm after carrying out adjustment.....try smearing the exposed section of the shaft between the drop arm and the case with petroleum jelly before attempting the adjustment procedure....
Thanks for that Peter, and for the gearbox info. Tom
Hi Tom steering box addjustment is easy!!! open bonnet... look at top of steering box ...large nut with allen key centre....back off the nut rotate centre 1mm at a time..must be done with front wheels off the ground and check full lock both ways for tightness with each adjustment until satified NOTE*** there is a tendency for the box to leak from the seal behind the drop arm after carrying out adjustment.....try smearing the exposed section of the shaft between the drop arm and the case with petroleum jelly before attempting the adjustment procedure....
Peter, the adjustment made little difference unfortunately. The thinking now is to get the steering box refurbished. Any ideas where or how much? Cheers, Tom
Have you checked out steering damper as advised earlier in this thread?? Very common failure on 460 - as evidenced by the fact that the MB replacement is the heavier duty 463 one (needs minor work on the mounting to fit). Fair amount of play in the steering box is pretty standard - otherwise it would be hard to hold onto the steering wheel off-road. Surprised your truck passed MOT if the track rod ends / drag link ends are too worn.
I'm not sure they're TOO worn, just worn. It seems to be a lot of smallish factors combining so hard to know where to start. Will certainly consider the damper though. Garage were fairly sure that wouldn't be it but unaware that its a common fault (as I was) so thanks for pointing it out. Tom
Damper usaly gives you a funny wobble / shake between 50/50 mph
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Thanks Rakesh. A few teething troubles is all.......I hope!
Much appreciated,
Tom