Club 80-90 Forums

Have recently fitted new boot on near side of steering rack as was damaged and greased it up at the same time but steering remains very stiff, any thoughts guys?

Is it power or non power steering?

juansetos wrote:Have recently fitted new boot on near side of steering rack as was damaged and greased it up at the same time but steering remains very stiff, any thoughts guys?

Tyre pressures ok?

Have you tried to jack up both front wheels, (on some decent axle stands) to see how the steering feels

Hi Guys, I have jacked the van up on axel stands and turne the steering full lock both ways and moves very easily, checked the tire pressures and set them at 45psi which is a little high and still siff. Not power steering unfortunately. realy don't understand it.

OK by your comments can we assume you have driven a non power steering transporter?

And what size tyres have got fitted? And the year of the van? Is it still the standard size steering wheel?

Thanks Guys. My van is a 1989 caravelle with standard steering wheel and the tyre size is 185 R 4C. No Pwer steering.

Thanks Guys. My van is a 1989 caravelle with standard steering wheel and the tyre size is 185 R 14C. No Pwer steering.

Is this your first transporter, has this stiffness suddenly appeared?

juansetos wrote:Hi Guys, I have jacked the van up on axel stands and turne the steering full lock both ways and moves very easily, checked the tire pressures and set them at 45psi which is a little high and still siff. Not power steering unfortunately. realy don't understand it.

When you had the wheels jacked up did you test for any movement or play in the wheels, as you say that the steering was free without pressure on the wheels it might be worth checking your alignment. However as Kev has mentioned we need a little more info as to whether this is a sudden thing or not.

Is it only stiff whilst stationary or is it stiff whilst driving too?

Mine's not got power steering and it's always been heavy when manoeuvring slowly/parking. In fact it's a pain. My wide tyres don't help either. However, once moving it's not a problem.

Ralf85 wrote:Mine's not got power steering and it's always been heavy when manoeuvring slowly/parking. In fact it's a pain. My wide tyres don't help either. However, once moving it's not a problem.

My van is the same, with the slightest movement of the wheels the steering is better

OP has been a member since 2013, should be used the stiffness. Noticed you had a dodgy track rod in 2013, if your tracking wasn't done right your tyres will wear uneven and eventually make your steering stiffer.

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