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MG MGA - Creaky Steering when damp

Okay I'm embarrassed to admit last week was the first time in three years I drove the A in the rain (weather here is usually very very dry). Those really are "toy" wiper blades :)
But I noticed a nagging problem, as I drove the car the steering increasingly got harder to turn the wheel and I heard a "creak" while turning it. Bushings? What should I check for? Thanks in advance for any advice...
Jim P

Perhaps the felt bushings in the steering column are swelling because of the moisture?
Mark J Michalak

Jim,

First check to see how smooth the steering is with the front wheels jacked off the ground. If the creak goes away and the steering wheel moves easily, it's not the column.

I would check wheel alignment (you can do pretty accurately by eye using rear axle as a guide) and work backwards from the hubs. Check the kingpins move freely and the fulcrums are well greased. Check that the track rod inner and outer ends are free to move with no excess play.

Check the rack fluid and if all else is well, disconect the column from rack to check the rack to column angle.

If the inner column is not noticable loose you can grease them if needed.

Well worth sorting this early as you could get accelerated wear on steering and suspension parts as well as tyres (tires) if there is something wrong.

Neil
Neil McGurk

Hi have you checked to make sure it's not the driver creaking when damp lol


gordon
g c pugh

If a bit of lubrication on the felts doesn't take care of the problem or there's excessive wear in them you might consider replacing them with some of Gerry Masterman's replacement bushings. http://www.gem-enterprises.net/index.html
Bill Young

This thread was discussed between 02/03/2008 and 03/03/2008

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