steering loose after knuckle service?

[sodafeld1]

1988 hj75 troopy, 280000kms. I am waiting on the sst for the knuckle bearing preload. Whilst waiting I went ahead and removed top shims in increments to gain preload on the bearings, leaving the bottom shims as they are meant to be for the centering.

But now my steering feels loose, no wobbles but lack of resistance in the steering wheel. Has anyone experienced similar?

 

[mcmarshing]

1988 hj75 troopy, 280000kms. I am waiting on the sst for the knuckle bearing preload. Whilst waiting I went ahead and removed top shims in increments to gain preload on the bearings, leaving the bottom shims as they are meant to be for the centering.

But now my steering feels loose, no wobbles but lack of resistance in the steering wheel. Has anyone experienced similar?

were your old bearings that go on top and bottom and swivel the knuckle “crunchy” or otherwise worn? if so, then yes. I experienced the same but I wouldn’t call it “loose”, but more “smooth” when turning.

 

[sodafeld1]

Can't say the old knuckle bearings were crunchy, they felt and looked quite good really. They were serviced about 60000km ago by an indie mechanic, but grease and a bit of oil weeped often, he said he really packed the knuckles full to justify himself...messy but they felt alright.

The new bearings which came in the kit, if described as smooth, feels crazy baby smooth. I haven't driven a new car in many years, so am not use to super smooth steering. The hj75 always felt firm like a tank before, even before the previous knuckle service. It was not effort firm like my old bj40 without power steering, but always felt solid. Running original size cooper skinny tyres. Adjusting toe in helped a little.

Maybe I have to adapt to the silken smoothness.
Now I am wondering if I have a looseness in the lower steering column in which there is little information anywhere it seems. Besides pulling out the whole column as per the manual. ?

Or maybe the fresh grease has given me the silken feel..just doesn't feel as solid.

When I receive the sst, get a better weigh scale puller, I shall go in again and set up the knuckle as per the manual specs.

Thanks man, good to know that you experienced extra smoothness though. Makes sense.

For now, next step is check tie rod ends and retorque everything I can find in the front like the springs..

 

[sodafeld1]

well another little test run, dialed steer box 1/4 turn back from the 1/2 turn adjust. tightened tre's and springs. No wobbles at a 100kmh, seems to perform ok. Maybe it is just smoother. Best of all , no ugly gunk under the knuckles. Now for a proper 400km dirty bumpy test..

 

[sodafeld1]

humbling reporting, 400kms, seems ok , smooth. shall re-torque knuckle bearings at some stage. toe in helped the looseness.