Steering Column Binding in 2500M

[hundredsixinsf]

I noticed that when turning the steering wheel in my 2500M from full left to full right there is some kind of binding/rough feeling about halfway through the full turn of the wheel. Any idea what it could be? Maybe a worn steering column bushing?

 

[RonMacPherson]

Sounds more like on the bottom end, Why?

The car should have at least two turns lock-to-lock.

If the column bushings were acting up you would feel the bind at least twice when turning the wheel.

I recommend a little investigation. First jack up one front wheel at a time and turn the wheel, to see if anything changes. If not jack up both front wheels, take the wheels off and check the front suspension, tie rod ends, balljoints, etc. If still binding, disconnect one tie rod end at a time and see if the bind goes away. If not it's in the rack. If it does you should be able to pinpoint the area of bind.

 

[hundredsixinsf]

Thanks Ron. I'll double check again if I feel it twice. If not, then I'll follow your investigation procedure. A TVR guy in Hawaii, eh? Bet you're one of the only guys over there with a TVR!

Steve

 

[RonMacPherson]

I don't have a TVR. Only one I know of is down on the Big Island. I do have two 6's and have helped on the early TVR's of some friends back in my mainland days.(California before 89)

 

[jessebogan]

If I recall correctly there are two column U joints between the upper column in the car, and the rack and pinion. I seem to recall that they were TR6 in origin, but Marshall probably has them. There is a short section of shaft that runs between the U joints, and it may pass thru a bushing attached to the frame. Follow the shaft from the firewall down and you will see what I mean. If the U joints are old, and have never been lubed, they can stick, bind, and eventually wear out.

 

[bravenrace]

Not specific to the TVR, but I've seen racks get worn spot in the straight ahead postion that can create the condition you are referring to.