Stiff steering

[ronnie]

On my 68 minor 1000 I have a problem with my steering . On full right or left lock the wheel does not return to centre when coming out of the turn . I have greased the kingpins and grease seems to be easily passing through the bushes but I still have to help the steering back to centre straight , maybe a bit better after greasing but not much . Just came out of hibernation but this problem was not there last year , any help appreciated

[blues2rock]

Tyre pressures; oil in steering rack.

If all else ok try using your grease gun to pump some gear oil through kingpins, followed by new grease.

[lambrettalad]

does the steering have a uj along it? might be sticking/shot

[bmcecosse]

A u/j - on a Minor??? I suggest you pop the track rod end tapers - and feel each kingpin for tightness - and the rack when disconnected from the kingpins. Apply oil as necessary!

[lambrettalad]

[mike.perry]

Try oiling/greasing the steering rack through the grease nipple provided

[beero]

Jack up the front end. Is it stiff? Should be really free to turn from lock to lock.
If it is stiff you could disconnect the track rod ends to tell whether it is the rack or one or both sides.

[ronnie]

Thanks for all the advice guys , I stripped off the track rod ends tonight and sure enough the nearside is stiffer to swivel than the offside . I guess I will be stripping cleaning and greasing as required , any more tips gratefully accepted

[bmcecosse]

Not unknown to apply some heat (gas blow torch) to the trunnion to 'melt out' old hardened grease. Pump in oil if you can too - and then finish off with moly grease as use for CV joints etc.