Steering box adjustment

[geoff53]

Hi all, took my 1966 P5 3 litre mk 2 auto for its first decent run this yr, did 250 miles round trip without missing a beat.
Returned approx 23 mpg so very pleased with that.
Still not happy with the steering as it detracts from the driving pleasure.
In a straight line it feels fine but if you need to make small corrections it stiffens up, which in turn doesn’t self centre.
Then when you make larger turns like turning around it is fine ?
Someone has suggested that
these cars always had wallowy steering from new, their opinion is someone may have over adjusted this to try and compensate this.
All steering joints are in good condition.
His suggestion is to adjust it off a little in situ and try it !
Is this a simple task ? Any advice on what to do or not to do ?
Cheers Geoff

[Phil Nottingham]

No something is wrong 3 Litres do not have wallowy steering and its actually better than on the 3.5s as that is sometimes considered too light.  It should certainly not stiffen up if the belt is not slipping and the filter is clean.  Try loosening of the adjuster the merest hint.  Beware as the steerin stiffening up could be  prelude to seizing up totally

[geoff53]

Thanks Phil
I’m pretty sure the belts not slipping, not checked the filter I’m presuming that’s in the reservoir ?
It was on my mind if it was possible to seize up. ?
Will investigate further as not using it till I get this sorted, especially now I know it’s possible.
I’m sure this can’t be much wrong as it’s such low mileage, also as it’s completely original I’m trying to keep it that way ! Will have to use my P6 in meantime.
Cheers Geoff

[djm16]

I am not convinced that the problem is in the steering box, nor that the "stiff feeling" means that something actually is "stiff". I would therefore start by supporting the front of the car on axle stands under the radius arms to get the front wheels safely off the floor, and then feel the steering movement over the entire range with and without motor running.

Other causes of "stiff feeling" besides the steering box might include any of the following:

tracking error
underinflated tyres
seized TRE / link rod end / ball jt.
seized / unlubricated relay arm

I have just read in the manual that earlier 3-litres with manual steering had a friction damper in the relay arm, so worth finding out if yours has one and it is over-tightened or just dry. Yes I know that you have power steering, but worth checking anyway.

Then it is a question of disconnecting bits of the steering linkage to isolate what is stiff.

[enigmas]

Good advice from Phil. The adjustment screw and locknut on top of the power steering box is extremely senstive to adjustment. Literally back it off a few degrees at a time. If you can feel a notchiness at centre steer with the car stationary (with the steering correctly centred...see below) the adjustment is too tight) This adjustment is a balancing act between free play at centre steer and notchiness!
This is due to the mechanical design of this worm and peg system...it can be made to jamb at centre steer with 'hamfisted' adjustment.


* Finding the centre of the steering box before adjustment is made.

1. Don't bank on the steering wheel being properly centred prior to adjusting.
2. Jack the car up under the front cross member to unload the steering wheels.
3. Turn the steering wheel fully in one direction (say left for example)
Now mark the steering wheel with a piece of tape or whatever.
Turn the steering wheel in the opposite direction fully whilst counting the number of turns...the 'mark' is the reference point.
Divide the number of turns by 2 exactly and wind the steering back to this point.
You now have the centre of the box.
4. Adjustment can now be made a few degrees at a time.


Note:
A. The steering wheel may now not be properly centred. Disregard this as the steering box is properly centred.
B. The front wheels may not be pointing directly straight ahead.

NB.
I adjust the PSB on my coupe at centre steer to the 'slightest' feel of notchiness (literally with 2 fingers on the steering wheel) This provides the minimum free play at centre.

Conclusion.
The wheel alignment people/individual screwed up!
Consult the WSM for the correct wheel alignment procedure AFTER you have correctly centred the steering box.
When done you can remove the steering wheel and correctly centre it.

[Phil Nottingham]

DJM may have a point about something else is stiff so disconnect each end of a track rod and see if the ball joints are free.  Some PlusGas in their rubbers boots may help if they are but it would be better to remove the dust covers and clean out and regrease if the Plus Gas helps

[johnwp5bcoupe]

All good advice Vince from my experience on the bench the point at which the Peg starts to pinch is never exactly at the centre position in respect to counting the turns (normally 1.5 turns of the steering shaft), the pinch point is very hard to set up on the car 5 degrees on the adjuster can make a huge difference, this is best done using the Pitman Arm on the bench which I know is not the best option for most guys.

The box has "very" little assist on the RH lock and any stiffness in the steering will show up as notchy feel or feels hard to turn!

[geoff53]

Wow guys thank you all for your input, I will take onboard all your very helpful suggestions as at the moment I do not have a wsm for the P5 have one for my P 4 & 6, so thats on my shopping list.
Im lucky to have access to a ramp so hopefully will have time to go through these procedures this coming week.
As there didn’t appear to be any wear in the joints I was blaming the S/ box but it may well be possible something is seized or dry due to lack of use.
I know steering boxes are very sensitive to adjustment and never adjusted one before so was hesitant to attempt without a manual or advice.
Very helpful advice about setting the steering box to centre ignoring initially where the wheel is at, which can be dealt with after etc.
Will keep you posted about any findings.
Cheers all
Geoff