Dead steering...

[grifterkid]

So, the saga continues!

To be honest, it is all my own fault and certain people have been ever so helpful to try and get my Toledo 'on point' as it were. I have only myself to blame!

On Sunday I went to the Cranleigh Classic car show and had a lovely day there... I had a nice drive there too as the Toledo was really lapping it up and it was great.

When leaving the show though, things took a turn very much for the worst!

I got in the car and went to leave when I performed a quarter turn to the left to get out of the parking space when a clonking noise occurred (which I could almost 'feel' through the steering column/wheel) and the steering became dead for want of a better word.

The car would steer but it was monstrously heavy and would stay in whatever position I last left it in as opposed to returning back to centre or tracking to the conditions under its wheels.

Something is very seriously wrong by the look (and feel!) of things so I need to know what avenues to explore.

My car is going to be attended too very soon for some work so if I can get this fixed at the same time that'd be wonderful.

Thanks to you all in advance...

[Mad Mart]

Check the subframe mounts. Probably the rear one(s) have pulled through the cup washers.

[grifterkid]

Blimey, that already sounds ruddy expensive!!!!!!!!

[sprint95m]

In the overall scheme things, it is not that expensive.

You will need two cup washers (138626) and two nyloc nuts (1/2"UNF).
I would also replace the lower steering coupling (because it has been strained beyond its intended design
when it was having to hold the subframe up).

Since you are taking it all separate anyway, I further suggest you fit Superflex bushes
( http://www.superflex.co.uk/proddetail.p ... 74-0324-2K
http://www.superflex.co.uk/proddetail.p ... 374-0677RK).




Ian.

[Jon Tilson]

When you were round I pointed out the column intermediate shaft to you.

Did you get that seen to? Martin and Karen could probably do something.

There is one for sale on ebay at the moment too.

Re the sub frame dropping this can and does happen but its not that common. You would have seen or heard
bits falling off too I suspect....

You can clearly see if the rear of the subframe has dropped.

Jonners

[Mahesh]

Exactly the same happened to me (20 + years ago).
The subframe had dropped (rusted) at the rear mounts.

In the day it was the same cost for a replacement or repair.

[Toledo Man]

I second Ian's recommendation for the Super Flex bushes. It makes sense to fit them when the appropriate bits are apart. This is exactly what I did when I had my subframe mounts repaired. The bushes are costly but believe me, they're worth every penny.

Let us know when you've found out what the problem is.

[grifterkid]

I took the Toledo for a private road spin yesterday and things feel absurdly tight!

I don't want it to be drastic but I do fear the worst!

However, when looking at things the linkage that connects things from the steering column to the actual steering gear itself seems to be further through the lower bulkhead than usual?!

All I know is is that things ain't how they used to be!!!

[shaunroche]

Before taking it for a spin again I would read all the posts above and then get on my hands and knees and look at the rear subframe mounts to ascertain whether they have actually failed or not.

I wouldn't be taking my car out in that condition to potentially cause further damage.

Has the bottom of the steering column been pulled through the bulkhead then? This would suggest that the subframe has dropped and taken the steering column with it.....

[Toledo Man]

Ash, take a good look and find out what the problem is. Please don't drive the car any great distance. You could be making the problem worse. Is there anybody local who can help. Jonners, you're not a million miles away...

[grifterkid]

I fear the rust related sub-frame problem!!!

I saw above that one of you helpful folks mentioned the steering column protruding further through the bulkhead could be a pointer and that does seem to be the case!

All I know is is that I'm stuck in this situation as I don't really know what I'm looking for yet I cannot get the Toledo anywhere.

What should I do? I am worried that if this is a big money job my Toledo days may be numbered and I do not want that to be the case!

This is a text-book sticky wicket scenario that's for sure...

[matt of the vivas]

Lay under the car, and take some photos of the rear subframe mounts, then post them on here. We will soon tell you if they are ok or not, and if they need work we can talk you through it. If its just the cup washers that have failed (and it sounds very likely) then its an easy job to fix that does not involve welding or anything..
Matt.

[Magenta Auto Sprint]

are you based near me in Staines? if so I'll come and have a look

Malcolm

[Jon Tilson]

If indeed the cup washers have gone and the frame has dropped then you can replace the bush with
a poly one that goes with a flat washer.

Or Fitchetts have the domed washers for not a vast amount.

Jonners

[Toledo Man]

Ash is in Surrey (I won't say exactly where in this part of the forum) so not too far away. How about sending a PM? I'm about 200 miles away so I'm unable to pop round to take a look.