2002 steering

[mike]

i have a 1972 2002, which is in reasonably good shape. there is a bad problem with the steering tho. it is extremely hard to turn the wheel at slow speeds, and while it is easier at driving speeds, there is a lot of play in the wheel.
i have completely rebuilt the front end, which did not help the problem. i did notice, however, that when the front end is up on jacks and unloaded, the steering is smooth and easy thru the complete range, but still with some play in the wheel.
any thoughts??
mike

[CV Stancampiano '72tii touring]

I'll bet the strut bearings are bad. If they lock up when the weight of the vehicle is applied, the steering will get stiff (you have to wind up the coil springs to steer). Take the strut caps off and look in there when someone else turns the wheel. You should be able to tell what's wrong.

[Squeeky]

strut bearing dust caps must be installed properly. check this

[c.diesel]

...and what size rims ?
offset ?
tire size?,
tire pressures?
steering wheel Dia ?
was the steering this tuff BEFORE the repairs ?

[Jon]

2nd try

They steer hard, even harder with wide tires, etc.

Never steer unless the car is moving.

Steer a bigger radius.

Steering boxes are about done when you start adjusting them.

Used steering boxes seldom work as advertised. Ask me how I know.

[mike]

tanx

[mike]

i just rebuilt the front end, including new strut bearings. i did look underneath whilt the wheel was being turned, and they looked ok - spring was turning with the shock.
could be the wide tires.
thanx

[mike]

thanx

[mike]

tires are P185/70/R13, on some old momo 18 spoke mags. tire pressure is approx 30, steering wheel is stock. yes, the steering was tough before the repairs.
thanx

[dembooks]

STEERING BOX ADJUSTMENT -

AND WHAT IS THE OFFSET OF THOSE RIMS?

[cvstancampiano]

Improper offset can make the effort very high. Example is using E21 7x15 Alpina wheels with 12mm offset on an 02. They fit, but its pretty tough to steer! Need something like 24-28mm in that size.

[mike]

what is "offset"

[mike]

I am not sure what ""offset" is - can yu explain.

[Jon]

on offset. Then you can trade information on different wheels and whether or not they will work.

Here's the common problem: the centerline of the wheel is not aligned with the pivot point of the wheel which causes the wheel to move in an arc when you steer rather than pivot (try to picture it) and the car steers hard. Plus, the tire rubs on the fender lip. Wide wheels with improper offsets cause this problem.