I've just replaced all of the bushes and steering damper on my car and it's made a massive difference to the way the car drives and behaves. The wandering when hitting undulations in the road have gone completely.

She's also just passed her MOT with no advisories but I'm still not happy.

When driving in a straight line there is play in the steering when the steering wheel between 11 and 1. When on the motorway the steering feels as if you're correcting it. It's by no means the worst I've driven but it's annoying me.

The only things I've not replaced are the front axle ball joints, track rod, drag link and steering box. Before I start mucking around and try to tighten the steering box slightly, does anyone have any suggestions? I've nipped one before and it made a bit of a difference but it was heavier to steer which I don't really want to do again as it bugged me when turning into parking spaces at low speeds.

Thanks!

David.

I've been and had a look at the car this afternoon briefly.

When wiggling the steering wheel between 12 and 1 the wheels aren't turning so there is definitely play in there. Looking at the input shaft it is rotating exactly the same as the steering wheel, when sliding under the car whilst my dad wiggled the steering wheel there is barely any movement on the output shaft so I'd guess the slack is somewhere on the steering box.

I'm in two minds whether to try adjusting it or just to order a refurbished one with a warranty on it.

Has anyone successfully adjusted a steering box before without the steering becoming heavier?

David.

Yes, when I first got mine. Mark the hex on the adjuster so you can see what position it is in now, slacken the locknut, screw the adjuster in until you feel resistance, back it off a quarter turn or slightly less and nip the locknut up again. You'll probably need to use a socket to undo it (hence marking where it was) but nip it up with a ring spanner or crows foot holding it in place with the allen key. The other place for slack is in the rubber coupling at the top of the lower column.

I've just been and had a fiddle.

I adjusted the hex on the steering box after I undid the collar using a ring spanner. It doesn't feel any tighter to turn the wheel but the self centering on the steering box has disappeared so it's pretty horrible to drive. The play is no better either so I think it's about time to change the steering box.

Our 1997 4.6 and the other 02 VSE are both much more precise in the steering then this car is which is what's making me want to fix it. It's nowhere near as nice to drive when you're correcting the steering and it's annoying when you know something isn't right on it too.

David.

Know exactly what you mean about not being as nice to drive. The used box I put on mine last year doesn't feel as good as the old one did.

Any suggestions for a reliable re-builder that is able to test the boxes before sending them back. I'd like to get my old one done but that failed with no power assistance one way, fortunately during the frond end / bush / steering rods / balljoint replacement marathon. Clearly wasn't happy at being pulled hard over onto full lock. Pretty sure the the pressure release valve one side is stuck open.

Clive

Not quite what's being asked but I know guy with several used steering boxes that he's struggling to get rid of.

He's certain they're good. He's had several P38's over the years - some on the road, some bought as spares vehicles and others stripped down to use various parts on trials vehicles.

If anyone wants to try another used box I can put you in touch with him.

He was trying to sell one to me a while ago to keep as a spare, wanted £50 for one. AFAIK he's still got a few so would probably take a bit less than that.

Thanks guys.

There's a company on eBay who sell refurbished ones for £180. Given that they're not the easiest of things to change, I must admit I'm tempted to get a refurb and just be done with it rather then taking a risk on a secondhand one.

David.

David

Would that be Steering Specialists at Howbury Bridge?

When I needed mine changed they didn't have stock and quoted at least a week but less than a fortnight to do the job on mine, plus courier times. In retrospect I should have gone with that. Seemed decent folk and quite upfront when I talked to them.

I see there is an outfit offering brand new units at £580 odd. Two business names at same address have my spidey senses tingling tho'. especially with rumours of sub-standard Far East imports floating around.

Clive