Dodgy steering

[Gripped]

Our Bongo's steering has always been a bit "over light" especially at speed, but I guess that might be a normal Bongo thing.

It has suffered from tracking issues in the past - which got fixed. New front drop links about a year ago too.

However, recently, the steering has been vague and a feels bit disconnected and wayward at speeds of 65+ and the steering wheel is off centre by about 30 degrees.

The mechanics said the tracking is spot on and no sign of any issues with the suspension.

Any ideas on what to check??

[Darkstar]

over inflated front tyres ?

Knackered front shock absorbers ?

broken rear springs ?

Steering rack or worn steering universal joint ?

Just a long shot, is the tracking set up as per forum factsheet or has the garage picked the nearest size vehicle from the tracking specs sheet ?

all only suggestions

[Gripped]

Thanks - the garage I used is a "bongo" garage, so they should know - but I'll check.

Tyre pressures are bang on.

Rear springs look ok to me. I suspect it will be something worn somewhere, but nothing obvious.

I also measured front to back on both sides, and the wheels are same distance apart, so no twisting in axle.

[teenmal]

For starters you need to find out why "the steering wheel is off centre by about 30 degrees" this is not normal as you know.

Did the garage use Optical Gauges the last time you had the wheel alignment done?

Good Luck.

[Jaws]

URGENTLY check the the steering linkages The universal joints between the steering wheel shaft and power steering rack might be loose or corroded I needed to replace the lower one for my last MOT. Seriously dangerous to drive if that is the case. Be safe

[the laird]

If the tracking is far out ie toein to x/s it will feel like driving on ice also extremely light.also if its like this for a while the tyre outer edges wear to xs

[Jaws]

If the tracking is far out ie toein to x/s it will feel like driving on ice also extremely light.also if its like this for a while the tyre outer edges wear to xs

That doesn't explain the 30 degree offset of the steering wheel; a loose/slipping UJ would.

[the laird]

If the tracking is out the steering wheel may well be misaligned indeed

[mikeWalsall]

The steering wheel should be physically locked in the straight ahead position .. both track rods slackened and adjusted so the steering wheel stays centalised ..

[Jaws]

The steering wheel should be physically locked in the straight ahead position .. both track rods slackened and adjusted so the steering wheel stays centalised ..

Correct; Gripped said he had the tracking checked but it has changed since. I stand by my earlier post re worn linkages. This must be excluded. It could be lethal.

[Gripped]

Hi all

I took it to a 4 wheel alignment place called Avia Speed shop in Bridgend. They are a great bunch.

They have toed-out the front wheels slightly which has made the steering less twitchy and also made tracking adjustments. Drives much better now, but steering wheel is still slightly off centre.

[Simon Jones]

I've heard that Hunter 4 Wheel Alignment systems are highly regarded when it comes to centralising the steering wheel. I would have thought the garage should be capable of either correcting it by adjusting track rod ends, or if that's not enough, they may have to remove the wheel & refit one spline round & then tweak the track rod ends. If the wheel was straight when the van was made, there should be no reason why it cannot be adjusted back into spec (assuming no excessive wear in the components).

[teenmal]

Hi all

I took it to a 4 wheel alignment place called Avia Speed shop in Bridgend. They are a great bunch.

They have toed-out the front wheels slightly which has made the steering less twitchy and also made tracking adjustments. Drives much better now, but steering wheel is still slightly off centre.

HI, do you know what equipment they used i.e. Laser or Optical..

[hijimhere]

Check for adverse tyre wear frequently - Usually the signs of misaligned geometry but also caused by other issues. I would often get reports from my technicians on tyres wearing oddly. Customers would say they noticed xyz