STEERING

4 Play

Worn steering boxes or racks cause play and vagueness. You can usually adjust them in situ, but at a high mileage, it’s a good idea to remove them, then examine and service them on the bench.

5 Stiffness

Stiffness may caused by over-adjusting a steering box or rack – but is often down to a neglected steering idler, kingpins etc. The grease dries out and water moves in. Check for any corrosion damage.

6 Joints

Steering joints, particularly the outer track rod ends, can go rusty if water gets past the rubber boot. Initially they become stiff, then very loose with play as the rust grinds the bearing shell surfaces away.