Groan from steering

[firebobby]

There's a thread somewhere on here that gives more details, but if you pop the bonnet and look down at the steering column, you should see a knuckle joint low down, just spray grease or another type of fluid into it. The knack is getting the spray up in to the joint.

 

[z4all]

There's a thread somewhere on here that gives more details, but if you pop the bonnet and look down at the steering column, you should see a knuckle joint low down, just spray grease or another type of fluid into it. The knack is getting the spray up in to the joint.

What does the steering column look like from there? I haven't got a clue mate. And can't find any pic online either.

 

[firebobby]

Look in the engine bay and follow where the steering wheel goes through the bulk head/dash area, your looking for a shaft that goes down the side of the engine to the steering rack. I will see if I can find the link for you. Where do you live by the way.

 

[z4all]

Thanks mate will have a look tomorrow. I'm near Watford.

 

[firebobby]

Not sure if you are near any other members who may be able to show/assist you. Depending on the weather, I will be at the Ace cafe next Monday 4th Jan if you fancy a drive down.

 

[z4all]

Not sure if you are near any other members who may be able to show/assist you. Depending on the weather, I will be at the Ace cafe next Monday 4th Jan if you fancy a drive down.

Will do my best! Thanks very much for your help mate and hope to see you there.

 

[z4all]

I think I figured it out and it's sorted! First time I've driven the car and had some level of trust in the steering lol. Still feels a bit stiff but will keep libricating over the next few days and it should hopefully sort it's self out. Defo a big improvement already though. Many thanks guys!

 

[firebobby]

I think I figured it out and it's sorted! First time I've driven the car and had some level of trust in the steering lol. Still feels a bit stiff but will keep libricating over the next few days and it should hopefully sort it's self out. Defo a big improvement already though. Many thanks guys!

That's good, so did you lubricate the joint in the engine bay.

 

[z4all]

Yep. Did the one at the bottom of the middle of the engine and the one that you can see coming out from the dash for good measure.

 

[firebobby]

Well done, it's nice when you can sort things like this and your learning about your car too.

 

[z4all]

Defo mate. It still doesn't feel 100% right but it's a million times better than before so I'm just going to keep lubing it up and hopefully the issue totally disappears. All I can feel now is a pulling sensation which I'm pretty sure is the tracking.

Btw. I used wd40. Is that ok? Or is there a better product?

 

[firebobby]

If WD40 is doing the trick, then it should be fine.

 

[Rob_benton]

Silcone spray is better as it doesn't attract dirt like wd40.

 

[z4all]

Will buy some. Cheers

 

[z4all]

UPDATE-bought some spray, used it, it felt a lot better straight away although now I can feel the front wheels or one of the front wheels getting stuck at a specific angle within the wheel arch (hope that makes sense). I don't understand why, its got 18 inch bbs on there and I believe they are standard springs. do I just need to give the silicone spray a bit more time to do its work? so far, I've only noticed this when drive a low speeds.

 

[owm]

Have you gotten an alignment done on the car? If yes, it is also good to once again check the alignment settings (toe and camber comes to mind).

Also with 18" rims on, there will be some tramlining which is inherent in the car design.

 

[z4all]

no I need to get tracking done but is this going to have an effect on the wheel(s) getting stuck in the wheel arch issue?

 

[owm]

The wheel getting stuck in the wheel arch could be:
1. Wheel arch liner is loose
2. Steering rod is not equally adjusted between L and R
3. Control arm bent/warped?

A picture will help to show how the wheel is scrapping. If the car has excessive toe in/out, it is possible I guess to make contact with the wheel arch when the car is turned.

 

[z4all]

thanks very much owm, i'm thinking items 2 and 3 will come up while getting tracking done-is that correct?

re. 1, I will give them a tug later and see if they are loose.

I will try to replicate the issue tonight-just at work atm.

thanks again

 

[owm]

Yup but so long if the car is jacked up, should be quite obvious to compare left and right to see if there are any differences between the two sides.

Pictures really do help