[Steering & Suspension] 1.6 hdi almost impossible to steer

[eastcoast]

I hope someone can come up with a solution for me.

I recently acquired this vehicle and did the following work.

Replaced:  Reconditioned steering rack
                 New bottom wishbones
                 New off side drive shaft
                 New fluid in power steering pump and reservoir
                 New track rod ends

I drove to MOT station about 10 miles each way with no steering issues. The van passed.

I did a couple of short trips, no issues.

On a longer run after about 50 odd miles van started to drift from side to side, it became almost too heavy to pull back. Then the steering became lighter and I was able to correct it. Then it started to drift again. It is now undriveable.

I have checked the universal joint it was covered in grease.  I can't find play anywhere.  Tracking also done.

Any help would be appreciated.

[polar]

Could be a faulty steering rack?

[Gravity]

With no real info other than a list of parts you've changed, the replies you get will be guesses based on each posters experience.

Here's my guess:
Old adage - Last thing changed is first thing suspect.

So to me, the most likely culprit seems to be a track rod end not fitted/tightened sufficiently, which has now worked itself loose. That would explain the steering symptoms you describe. But it could be any part of your work, so it's worth re-checking all your work first, just to satisfy yourself that everything is torqued up correctly. Costs nothing but time.

[rnamman]

I hope someone can come up with a solution for me.

I recently acquired this vehicle and did the following work.

Replaced:  Reconditioned steering rack
                 New bottom wishbones
                 New off side drive shaft
                 New fluid in power steering pump and reservoir
                 New track rod ends

I drove to MOT station about 10 miles each way with no steering issues. The van passed.

I did a couple of short trips, no issues.

On a longer run after about 50 odd miles van started to drift from side to side, it became almost too heavy to pull back. Then the steering became lighter and I was able to correct it. Then it started to drift again. It is now undriveable.

I have checked the universal joint it was covered in grease.  I can't find play anywhere.  Tracking also done.

Any help would be appreciated.

This is exactly what happened to our car in 1952 - (1939 Morris 8) - the steering collapsed on holiday in Isle of Man. Found the track rod ends had been packed out with several halfpenny coins by previous owner !

[geoff]

First thing I'd do would be with the vehicle static and engine running operate the steering repeatedly from lock to lock whilst checking for a complete and smooth motion of the wheels such as would normally be seen listening also for any unusual noises. It is possible the new rack is defective in some way.

A check on all steering and suspension components and associated fasteners would be next on my list.

Jacking the wheels up and manually pushing and pulling the wheels from lock to lock may reveal something, steering lock disabled of course.

With the wheels up perform the standard check for wheel bearing / track rod end wear this may reveal something.

[eastcoast]

First thing I'd do would be with the vehicle static and engine running operate the steering repeatedly from lock to lock whilst checking for a complete and smooth motion of the wheels such as would normally be seen listening also for any unusual noises. It is possible the new rack is defective in some way.

A check on all steering and suspension components and associated fasteners would be next on my list.

Jacking the wheels up and manually pushing and pulling the wheels from lock to lock may reveal something, steering lock disabled of course.

With the wheels up perform the standard check for wheel bearing / track rod end wear this may reveal something.

Thanks to all for that, done suggested, still no nearer to a solution.

[cancunia]

With both the front wheels off the ground, is the steering any easier? With / without the engine running?

[geoff]

I don't see the top strut bearings seizing but you never know, drop a TRE and try rotating the strut by hand to see how they are - do both sides of the vehicle.

Beyond that I'd go to your local friendly garage and get them to check it over on the ramp before you go too deep as they may have some experience of this issue.

If all the above is good I'd put my money on the rack being defective.