steering query

[SII Josh]

hi everyone,

i fitted the steering box the other day and spun it freely with the steering wheel fitted. I have now fitted all the connecting rods from the steering box through to the wheels and lifted the front tyres off the ground so they spin freely.

now when i turn the steering wheel it is very heavy/hard to turn, any ideas what has gone wrong??

i have added a pic if it helps


cheers for all your help everyone
Josh

[russellrovers]

hi everyone,

i fitted the steering box the other day and spun it freely with the steering wheel fitted. I have now fitted all the connecting rods from the steering box through to the wheels and lifted the front tyres off the ground so they spin freely.

now when i turn the steering wheel it is very heavy/hard to turn, any ideas what has gone wrong??

i have added a pic if it helps


cheers for all your help everyone
Joshhi josh if you turn steering wheel 30 mm you should move the wheel and on the ground ihave fully service steering boxs here jim

[JDNSW]

With all the links connected, even with the wheels off the ground, you have (deliberate) added friction at the steering relay and each swivel, so there will be more resistance than with nothing connected, but should not be "very heavy".

Firstly, check that nothing is fouling any of the steering gear - you haven't for example, got wiring hooked on it. Make sure that the steering relay has oil in it - if you have not overhauled or replaced it, it is possible that is necessary. Similarly, the swivels may have excessive preload (were they oiled when assembled?).

If you can't identify the problem, disconnect a couple of the tie rod ends one at a time to ascertain just where the drag is.

John

[SII Josh]

cheers for the info guys,

No wiring has been put on the car yet so that is an easy box to tick off, checked nothing else was getting caught on from full lock to full lock. must be deeper :D

will start the process of elimination tonight with a pint of guinness for crowd support.

will update in the morning

[SII Josh]

bit of an update for you all,

after following everyones advice, starting at the wheels i disconnected the links individually till i got no heavy drag.

i got all the way back to the relay box (which could mean this saga isn't over yet)

i removed the relay box and found no oil in it. i gave it a quick bath in rust buster to help remove any rust from the inside then flushed it with degreaser.

a question i have is how much oil goes in the filler hole??

cheers
Josh

[JDNSW]

bit of an update for you all,

after following everyones advice, starting at the wheels i disconnected the links individually till i got no heavy drag.

i got all the way back to the relay box (which could mean this saga isn't over yet)

i removed the relay box and found no oil in it. i gave it a quick bath in rust buster to help remove any rust from the inside then flushed it with degreaser.

a question i have is how much oil goes in the filler hole??

cheers
Josh

Early ones have a filler hole on top and a separate air hole. Later ones, remove two of the four bolts on top - either way, add oil until it comes out the other hole. Unfortunately, if it is dry, then the bottom seal is probably leaking and will need to be replaced - and what does the shaft surface the seal bears on look like? If you are disassembling the relay to overhaul it, please read the manual instructions carefully - the spring inside is strong, and can be dangerous.

John

[debruiser]

If you are disassembling the relay to overhaul it, please read the manual instructions carefully - the spring inside is strong, and can be dangerous.

John

\I'll 2nd that! :D Really good fun getting it apart! and even more getting it back together! :D :D :D

[The ho har's]

We hate steering relays, they are the scum. Watch that spring Josh!;)

There are several here:angel:

Mrs hh:angel:

[gromit]

Relay rebuild covered here over a few posts http://www.aulro.com/afvb/other-powered-series-land-rovers/151959-isuzu-c240-powered-series-3-a-19.html#post1923438

Getting it apart is easy, remove both endcaps, wrap it up in old rags and drift out the shaft/split-bushes/spring assembly.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/08/883.jpg (http://s1245.photobucket.com/user/cradley/media/Series%203%20Isuzu%20C240/DSCN2701_zps0ec7a0fc.jpg.html)

Putting back together needs a special tool made. I've done a couple now and they get easier the more practice you have.

You can remove the control arm then the bottom cover plate and just replace the seal (no need to take the relay apart) but this depends on the shaft condition. If it's pitted you'll have to take the relay apart & refurbish.
I managed on my Series I to just replace the seal http://www.aulro.com/afvb/series-i-land-rover-enthusiasts-section/159944-1956-series-1-pto-welder-home-made-6.html#post1994239


Colin

[SII Josh]

cheers for the link gromit, will attempt to recreate from your photos.

if you have tool handy are you able to throw up the ID and OD of the ring piece?

cheers
Josh

[debruiser]

I managed to use a couple of hose clamps and a vice to achieve the same results; I bet I took WAY longer than with the tool though. But it meant that I didn't have to buy a special tool for the one off job. Mind you I was extremely careful while doing so.

[SII Josh]

How to rebuild a steering relay. (http://ollr.createaforum.com/technical-archive/how-to-rebuild-a-steering-relay/)

here is another link to a relay box being rebuilt, amazing how many different ways there are to get one job done.

hope the link works :d

[gromit]

cheers for the link gromit, will attempt to recreate from your photos.

if you have tool handy are you able to throw up the ID and OD of the ring piece?

cheers
Josh

If I'm allowed in the shed tomorrow......
The ID has to clear the split bush, the OD has to allow the welded on reinforcing strip to hang over the edge of the relay.
Key slots have to match bolt holes & I found it easier to use a normal bolt to latch the tool into position (the bolts used for the endcaps have a smaller than normal head) This means the clearance hole has to clear a 1/4" bolt head.

In the link you posted the relay shaft had replaceable spacers for the seals to run on. I haven't seen one like that so I've had to machine the pitted shaft & hope that the seal will seal OK on the slightly reduced diameter.


Colin

[SII Josh]

hahahahaha, sometimes i put the head phones on when i know i shouldn't be working on the landy and then by the time the wifey finds me its to late I'm covered in oil/grease :D

[sisyphus]

I did my steering relay recently following the green bible instructions and the excellent advice found here in this forum. As all have said take your time , I made a rough version of the special tool and was able to do the job relatively easy. I replaced all internals with new except the main shaft and was pleased with the difference it made although the relay was in a poor state prior to the repair, seals were shot and it had been filled with grease. As you can see I've still got the grease nipple in the filler hole as I have been unable to find a replacement yet.