Heavy Steering

[davidjt]

Just when I was beginning to get used to trouble-free motoring, the steering has started to get noticeably heavier, and the power system sounds as though it's working overtime.

On cursory inspection, there are no leaks, belt seems OK, p/s appears to be functioning. Does any one have any experience of the joint inside the car starting to sieze, and if so, what's the prognosis? Another big dent in the bank balance?

Is it possible the Quaife has accelerated wear and tear on the steering?

All (polite) suggestions appreciated.

[Monty]

I`ve heard others replacing the Universal joint at the bottom of the steering when they had heavy steering problems (BTW IIRC there are 2 UJ`s ) the one u need is of a Landy and is in the parts section, since it`s a cheap part its worth ago

I also have heavy steering but i bought a new S2 rack from the lotus sale list at nearly £340 and stuck it in the loft Next time i`ve got to have the prongeron of i`ll get it fitted

[davidjt]

Thanks, Monty; I've ordered one & hopefully that'll do the trick.

£12 sounds good.

SJ's will do the genuine Lotus article for a mere £115.64 + VAT. If I hadn't retired, I'd be in the wrong business.

[brijo]

Hi guys, I've just been reading your thread on heavy steering. My S2 is also suffering. When you say this universal joint is available in the parts section, is there a parts section in LEC? As a new member, I'm still groping my way around. Could I ask you to point me in the right direction, thanks.

[Dico]

hi brijo

It is possibly this part that you are looking for, but as i'm half p!ssed we may need a second opinion

http://lotuselancentral.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=7200

By the way, Welcome

[brijo]

Hi Dico,

Many thanks for your reply and the welcome. This forum is excellent. There's probably nothing that somebody hasn't had a problem with or a solution that hasn't been tried before.

Shortly after my post, the penny dropped and I realised what Landy meant. I'll check out the lower UJ and take it from there. Have a good weekend.

[gmacz]

A spray of WD40 usually works.
The joint is in the car and is not weather damaged.
You can spray the joint and if the steering goes light, you know for sure the joint is the problem.
Yours Gmacz

[brijo]

Hi Gmacz,

Thank you for your post. The WD40 sounds like a much easier option than changing the UJ, I'll try that first. Many thanks.

[Kjeld]

This u-joint failed on my car at 44k. The symptom was not really heavy steering per se. More of a "sticking" as the joint would bind at certain positions as the wheel was turned. Replaced it and the steering was again, smooth through out the rotation.

[brijo]

Thanks Kjeld, I wish I had some of your weather here. There's a high probability it's the UJ it seems. There's 51k on my car.

[Gazza]

Brijo

Welcome, is there any chance you can send me your cars details for the S2 Register by Private Message?

http://lotuselancentral.com/forum/viewt ... 51&start=0

If you look at the link you will see all the details I require. I will send you the password for;

www.M100register.ukf.net

so you can view it when ever.

Thanks, Gary

[Kjeld]

Hi brijo. Well, California's weather has it's attraction, but San Francisco in the summer is probably closer that of Ireland's than the rest of the State.