Steering is VERY stiff??

[dltalfa]

I am trying to sort out my newly acquired 240Z. I have a long list of issues, concerns and problems.

I'm up to he steering.

The steering is So stiff on this car. In fact, I recently got it running really well and decided to drive it around a little this weekend. The steering is SO stiff that after simply manuvering it in and out of my garage, turning around in my drive way a few times and some local driving, (no more than 10 miles),..my hands and wrist are so sore this morning I may have trouble working today.

It takes all you can muster up to turn the steering wheel on this car. What can cause this and what do I need to do to remedy the situation?

[240260280z]

It is a 100% manual steering system with no power assist.

Pumping tires to the proper or even higher pressure helps.

You can also get a bigger steering wheel to give more mechanical advantage.

Narrower front tires can also reduce the required strength.

Finally you can buy new electrical power steering systems or cobble in a fluid based power steering rack from a Subaru.

[dltalfa]

Thanks for the quick reply Blue,..but this is not normal manaul steering stiffness. I am very familiar with driving a standard steering car. I have ownerd several Z cars in the past and currently own a 1969 Triumph TR6 and a 1972 MGB.

This is a very abnormally stiff steering.

[240260280z]

OK well the next step would be to check the joints at the steering knuckles, the rack tensioner, the ball joints and the bearings at the top of each front strut.

Lift the front wheels off the ground and start checking.

This is an easy first check: http://atlanticz.ca/zclub/techtips/steering/racktension/

[beermanpete]

Don't forget about the bearing in the steering column. There are 3 bearings that support the steering shaft. These might be bad or need service.

[Mikes Z car]

I had an old Nash Metrpolitan (64?) that developed very stiff steering and the solution was to pump the driver's side lower ball joint with a lot of grease. Before that when the car was steered I could feel a momentary grab and let go many times as I turned and I could hear a clunk kind of noise.

Mike

[cozye]

What size tires?

[ajmcforester]

How hard is the greese in the rack you might need to clean it out.

[dltalfa]

How hard is the greese in the rack you might need to clean it out.

How do I "clean out" the old grease?

[ajmcforester]

If it is hard, I'd take out the rack take it apart and pack with new grease. The other thing is if stuff got in around a boot from a crack or something it can be between the teeth, it would not take much sand or something small to cause this problem or damage the rack

[killerzombie]

Just the general automotive grease for the stearing rack? is it possable to over grease?