I have a 1970 1800E coupe that I've had most of the front end steering components replaced on. Turning the steering wheel was tight and difficult before i did so, and was hoping this would fix it.
Upper and lower ball joints, idler arm bushings, tie rods etc. all replaced.
However, the shop figured my steering box and lower tube were part of the problem so I bought a good used unit, and had it put on.
Part of the problem prior to this was found to be that the column was actually rubbing on the frame rail area that the column runs close to when the steering wheel is turned...and with the new steering box it still is rubbing at that one point.
One source suggested to simply shim the steering box out a bit, but the mechanic says it would take too much to do so.
It was suggested by the mechanic that my frame may be bent a bit, but I've owned the car 30 years and never been in an accident with it myself, nor did the tracking going down the road ever look off.
He also found that the lower part of the steering shaft where it is to meet the upper part at the rubber bushing area, is not even. That is to say the brackets where they are to bolt together are closer to the bottom of the bushing than the top, so the shafts he says are not really in line on the same angle.
The steering box is fixed and the column at the lower dash area has a u bolt clamp to hold it in place, so doesn't seem to be any area for adjustment that they can see.
The only work I have done on the frame area is I did have the somewhat rusty end frame member that joins the frame side rails at the front, replaced with a good used one several years ago.
I have tried to get an appointment to have the frame checked out on a frame machine in case, but all the shops I have asked, are booked until spring with collision work.
The car is much older than what they are used to working on, thus a bit of a problem because it is a model some have never had in their shop and it appears some may think it will be trouble.
Any thoughts regarding the steering column lining up, adjustment, or the rubbing on the side when the wheel is turned, or any similar experiences would be appreciated.
Upper and lower ball joints, idler arm bushings, tie rods etc. all replaced.
However, the shop figured my steering box and lower tube were part of the problem so I bought a good used unit, and had it put on.
Part of the problem prior to this was found to be that the column was actually rubbing on the frame rail area that the column runs close to when the steering wheel is turned...and with the new steering box it still is rubbing at that one point.
One source suggested to simply shim the steering box out a bit, but the mechanic says it would take too much to do so.
It was suggested by the mechanic that my frame may be bent a bit, but I've owned the car 30 years and never been in an accident with it myself, nor did the tracking going down the road ever look off.
He also found that the lower part of the steering shaft where it is to meet the upper part at the rubber bushing area, is not even. That is to say the brackets where they are to bolt together are closer to the bottom of the bushing than the top, so the shafts he says are not really in line on the same angle.
The steering box is fixed and the column at the lower dash area has a u bolt clamp to hold it in place, so doesn't seem to be any area for adjustment that they can see.
The only work I have done on the frame area is I did have the somewhat rusty end frame member that joins the frame side rails at the front, replaced with a good used one several years ago.
I have tried to get an appointment to have the frame checked out on a frame machine in case, but all the shops I have asked, are booked until spring with collision work.
The car is much older than what they are used to working on, thus a bit of a problem because it is a model some have never had in their shop and it appears some may think it will be trouble.
Any thoughts regarding the steering column lining up, adjustment, or the rubbing on the side when the wheel is turned, or any similar experiences would be appreciated.