Thread: '90 RRC, power steering problem

Check the universal joint between the column & box. Tight spots in the steering are the first sign that it's a problem but it may be tight all around by now.

Hi scouse,

Just checked the UJs. They both seem tight (as in, not broken!) I assume I should just be checking for play as in on the prop ujs?

I notice theres a grease nipple on top of the steering box, shall I give her a few squirts of grease?
thanks

Originally Posted by chris_mack

Just checked the UJs. They both seem tight (as in, not broken!) I assume I should just be checking for play as in on the prop ujs?

The universal joint binds up & eventually seizes. It's quite a common fault but it does seem to catch a few people out as the problem is very gradual.

The steering box doesn't have a grease nipple - I think you may be looking at a bleeder valve.

Originally Posted by Scouse

The universal joint binds up & eventually seizes. It's quite a common fault but it does seem to catch a few people out as the problem is very gradual.

The steering box doesn't have a grease nipple - I think you may be looking at a bleeder valve.

ah yes, thats more likely. I did think it was unlikely to be a grease nipple hence thort I better ask first! does look similar though.

So new Ujs would be a good place to start.

It's just one UJ down there, the other is a flexible coupling.

They're a pain to get off if they've been on for years but maybe try releasing one end at least just to confirm that it's the problem.

Originally Posted by Scouse

It's just one UJ down there, the other is a flexible coupling.

They're a pain to get off if they've been on for years but maybe try releasing one end at least just to confirm that it's the problem.

mine has got (running from the steering wheel to the steering box) a uj, a rubber coupling thing, then another uj? Think thats right, i only had a brief glimse earlier! Too hungover to be getting really stuck into it!

Il check out the UJ as soon as i get a chance, failing that is it possible that the pump is knackered? Even though its not leaking?

Really hope its just the UJ though!

The other thing I thought was that one of the swivel bearings could be knackered, i seem to remember having that go on one of my Defenders back home, and it made the steering very heavy. But there is no significant oil leaking from the swivel, and I jacked the front up and there is no play in it (ie the wheel feels 'connected'!!) so guess that rules that out?

thanks for your help so far.

Stick with the steering column uni joints first. You may get them smoother with some WD40, but it is not a fix and they will still need replacing. The top one only comes with the shaft attached I think, but you can get the bottom one as a part.

as everyone above said, bottom steering shaft uni.
Mine had really stiff steering and heavy return to centre effect, even after pulling mine out and and thinking that it still felt ok, i replaced it and its been perfect ever since!