A little loose steering

[Little Lady Katie]

hey guys and girls!

Im looking for a spot of advice to direct me as to what to look at/look for to get to the bottom of a problem!

I was zooming along the beautiful back roads of rural North yorkshire today and something didn't feel quite right/normal with Felix's steering - it felt a little loose and light compared to normal, and I didn't feel so in control as a result. It seemed to stiffen up mid-drive

Could it be something to do with the steering rack or something else perhaps? Any suggestions and advice pointing me in the right direction would be gratefully appreciated!

Yours, a clueless Katie

 

[andyglym]

hey guys and girls!

Im looking for a spot of advice to direct me as to what to look at/look for to get to the bottom of a problem!

I was zooming along the beautiful back roads of rural North yorkshire today and something didn't feel quite right/normal with Felix's steering - it felt a little loose and light compared to normal, and I didn't feel so in control as a result. It seemed to stiffen up mid-drive

Could it be something to do with the steering rack or something else perhaps? Any suggestions and advice pointing me in the right direction would be gratefully appreciated!

Yours, a clueless Katie

Could be a number of things I would guess? I'm sure somebody better placed will be along to advise, I'm clueless too so I'd be off to my local garage toot suite to get them to have a look just incase it's a tad serious.

 

[t-tony]

First point I would check are you're tyre pressures.

Tony.

 

[oldcarman]

How was it once you got onto familiar roadways Katie? I agree with Tony, verify your tires are at the correct pressure to start with and adjust as necessary. JIM

 

[Little Lady Katie]

Thanks guys. I do check my tires quite regularly and Infact did them 2 days ago - I have this nifty little mitchellin air pump that I can keep in the boot and plug into the cigarette lighter, set the psi/bar and away I go!
Tyres all at pressure and he got 4 new shoes at once ( new bridgestones put on about 1.5yrs ago) so tread is good too.

 

[Little Lady Katie]

So im definitely clueless!

It just felt so light/loose on the steering wheel. They're roads I travel quite often so very familiar the whole way but sometbing just didn't feel 'right', y'know? Normally when you turn the steering wheel there feels like there's a bit of resistance, but it just wasn't there

 

[hard top]

Worn Tie Rods
Worn Control Arms
Worn Control Arm Bushings
Worn Front Upper Shock Mounts/Bushings
Worn/Play In Steering Rack

 

[Brian H]

My first thought was the same as Tony's but you checked the pressures, have you checked your wheel nuts! With the car sat stationary, move your steering wheel left to right, full lock to lock and listen out for any unusual noises.

 

[t-tony]

Also while stationary with the engine running turn the steering to full lock and all the way back to the other lock a couple of times and see if you notice anything different in the degree of smoothness. This is one of the first check on an M.O.T.

Tony.

 

[oldcarman]

You've got the pressure set and fairly new tires. It could be any of many things but your steering pump would be where I would start if all above suggests don't turn up anything. Also, even though uncommon the tires themselves could be faulty. Hope you get it figured soon! JIM

 

[Little Lady Katie]

Our mechanic did have my wheels off the other day to oil/grease the brakes up - could it therefore be the wheel nuts not being back on properly I wonder?!

 

[Little Lady Katie]

Im going to take it to them weds morning to investigate - I'll report back with any developments! Thank you all

 

[t-tony]

If they were loose enough to affect the steering Katie, it's likely you would already know!

Tony.

 

[Little Lady Katie]

Ah ok Tony!
Well im taking him out for a decent drive later today so I'll see how he feels. I hope I can get to the bottom of it thank you!

 

[oldcarman]

Ah ok Tony!
Well im taking him out for a decent drive later today so I'll see how he feels. I hope I can get to the bottom of it thank you!

Did your tire guy have to top up your steering fluid! If it was down you wouldn't necessarily noticed the steering getting a bit harder but once topped up the pump would be working properly and your steering could feel slightly easier or loose as you described. Being 6000 mi from the car does make it difficult to diagnose. As for my previous post about the tires, my wife had her new Ford Fusion a month and we had a perforation from the inside of the tire. Obviously a factory flaw so they do happen although much less these days which is why I mentioned it as cord seperation can cause your symptoms. JIM

 

[Little Lady Katie]

I wish you lived nearer Jim!

 

[oldcarman]

I wish you lived nearer Jim!

I do also Katie but there are plenty of knowledgable people close to you I'm sure that could help a Damsel in Distress out with a physical examination of your car!! Anyone close by wanting to be her Knight in greased overalls?? JIM

 

[Little Lady Katie]

Hehe thank you Jim

I have been very lucky having the help and support of Ian (@Aceman ) in fact we've got some plans to have a tinker and change/fit of some parts (we thought we'd take photos and make some step by step guides to upload on the forum after for people to use!) later this summer, but I know he's pretty busy at the moment so i didnt want to harass the poor guy too much! so thought I'd put the question to all the lovely guys and girls on here

 

[oldcarman]

Sounds you're in capable hands with @Aceman and with your projects, look forward to reading about them. JIM

 

[Little Lady Katie]

I think I am a very lucky lady Jim to be so well supported by fellow zedder friends

Thank you, I shall do! Hopefully we'll have some step by step photos of our escapades before long to make into helpful guides!