Knock from steering when stationary

[fallingoffalot]

I noticed yesterday that when the steering wheel is turned through the slack part, going from L-R or R-L there is a knock sound. I can physically feel it as the wheel is turned so something must be hitting something. I can't remember if I've noticed this before and I drove it 10 miles or so the other day and steering didn't feel any different. I'll get one of my kids to turn the wheel whilst I'm under it. Any ideas what I should be looking for?

Main issue is I'm driving down to Cornwall tomorrow!

 

[fallingoffalot]

So a quick inspection revealed nothing really, the rubber coupling before the box looks brand new and no play in any bolts/joints. The only thing making a noise is the clamp on top of the idler pin, in the middle of the beam, moving up and down by about 0.5mm when the steering changes direction.



Is this anything to worry about? I'll try and tighten the bolt.

 

[mike202]

Yes it’s worth watching all the steering components while someone else turns the steering wheel. Make sure a everything is connected.

 

[sparkywig]

Might be easier to detect any play with the front wheels off the floor.
Is there any oil in the steering box?
When was the last time it was adjusted?
When did you last grease the beam and idler pin?

 

[Walt]

Prior to your post about the idler pin I was wondering if it might have been the linkage touching the skid pan/ under tray that covers under the pedals.

I have some knocking on mine which I think is from the top of the steering box...

 

[fallingoffalot]

Thanks for the replies, I don't know about the oil situation. It doesn't look like anything is about to explode so I'll investigate when I get back from Cornwall at the weekend. The noise I have is definitely from that clamp on the idler pin as I can make it make the same noise by moving it manually.

 

[29August67]

Hey - Check the Pitman Shaft in the steering box. The bushes in mine must be worn and I can see it move up and down a small amount when the steering wheel is rocked a tad. I am trying to sort out all of the bits that I need ( bushes, pin, seals, gaskets etc).
Let me know what you find and if you need a vid - let me know.