Play in Steering

[D87 SMW]

A slight technical problem with the MG 2.0i... :fim:

When the wheels are centred there is no play with the steering wheel is moved. Same goes for when the wheels are to the right. However when the wheels are turned to the left, there is an increasing amount of play as the steering wheel is turned.

Anyone got any suggestions? Car has been lifted and we can't seem to find the fault...

:spanner:

[Austin-Rover]

I have what sounds to be the exact same problem with my Ledbury. It is possible a new steering rack may be on the cards.

[MaestroTurbo]

Check for knackered track rod ends.

[D87 SMW]

Check for knackered track rod ends.

Have done so. This isn't the problem. I've a feeling it's the rack itself as RD says. Driveshaft/CV boots appear to be split a little too...

Meh. :fim:

[E_T_V]

The inner track rods on the steering rack are usually the wear point on the rack. My van is the same and has some play in it. Also check that the lower suspension damper mounts are tight as these sometimes come loose giving variable camber when steering.

[ladaman]

My 22k Ledbury has similar left-sided symptons, becoming more noticeable since I bought it a few weeks ago. My wife believes that the play is in fact worse than the decidedly wobbly steering of the Lada Niva that the (shinier) Maestro has replaced, which is a bit of a blow! So if I get the front end off the ground, what exactly should I look for / test for?

[D87 SMW]

My 22k Ledbury has similar left-sided symptons, becoming more noticeable since I bought it a few weeks ago. My wife believes that the play is in fact worse than the decidedly wobbly steering of the Lada Niva that the (shinier) Maestro has replaced, which is a bit of a blow! So if I get the front end off the ground, what exactly should I look for / test for?

Your 22k Ledbury used to be mine. It's a really lovely car, take care of her. :thumbup:

I think the most important thing is to get the wheels in the air and test for any play, with the steering wheel held still.

[ChrisM]

My Ledbury also has the slightest bit of play, but flew through its MOT with no problems last Friday, so I'm not worried about it for the moment. It has ~96k miles on it.

[Slaphead]

When i bought my Advantage,it pulled to the left and the steering felt odd when applying right hand lock(i can't remember if there was any play when doing this).Anyway,i found that the circlip securing the driveshaft to the outer cv joint was missing! When i took the joint off,there was no sign of the circlip(i thought it may have broken up inside the joint).

You should be able to check for this fault by gripping the driveshaft and pushing and pulling towards the cv joint.I could see mine sliding back and fore in the joint!

Hope this helps,
Craig.