play in steering before it 'bites'

[sponcom]

Hi All

After 18 months I have finally got my elan back together and today it has it's MOT. Last noght was the first time I had been able to take it on the road properly and have noticed considerable play in the steering when turning from straight ahead either left or right. The wheel appears to move and not do a lot and will suddenly bite and then the steering appears to be responsive.

Is this a sympton anyone is familiar with. Track rods appear to be pretty stiff so perhaps this indicates a worn out rack?

Any help appreciated as always.

Thanks

Paul

[RayD]

Paul,

I've just done this check for comparison ...

When everything is OK, with the ignition key turned, steering lock off, engine stood, Exalto tyres, 30psi, on a dry concrete drive you can turn the steering wheel rim a ¼” each way with a thumb and forefinger, ½” in total, and even then the wheels are trying to move – in other words there should be no free play at all.

Ray

[sponcom]

Thanks Ray

Had a quick look around before the MOT and found that the LHS bottom ball joint bolt was not tightened and just loosely fitted! Everything is now fine! Put it through the MOT and it failed on CO emmisions only - just over - I'll take a look at that tomorrow.

[RayD]

When “MickMick’s” failed on CO emissions it seemed it only required a decent run and the engine still up to temperature when it arrived on the ramps.

The previous day when it failed it had been at the MOT station over night and driven 20 yards onto the ramp.

Ray