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MG TD TF 1500 - steering wheel vibrations?

Between snow storms I've actually driven a few miles this spring. The car has always had a slightly thumpy or vibration type feel in your hands when holding the steering wheel about 30mph+ or so. More noticable the faster you go. Nothing drastic. I have believed the "thumps" are just the roughness in the roads being transferred up to my hands through the tires/steering parts. However I just noticed that if I apply a slight forward pressure to the steering wheel with my hands the thumps seem to disappear and it feels much more stable! I wish it stayed that way!

I did a frame-off in past 2 years so I know all parts are tight, rubber new, etc. Has anyone had the same symptoms? Is this just the nature of the beast? Thoughts?

Regards,
Ed
efh Haskell

Ed,

Could be the steering shaft is loose inside the column tube.

There is a felt packing that slides into the flared portion of the top end of the outer tube. Also at the bottom I believe.

Moderately difficult to get in and likes to work its way out leaving the steering shaft loose inside the column. I used a piece of the plastic core from an old power antenna wound around the shaft and pressed into the cavity at the top of the column tube. Hard plastic makes a better bearing with a drop or two of oil.

Others may have a better solution.

Regards,

Jim Haskins

1953 TD
J. M. Haskins

...agree...the little felt 'bushings' could be gone or crushed enough to have the shaft 'rattle/thump' in the housing tube.... I would check lower down however for safety's sake..... good bet on the bushings however....
gblawson(gordon- TD27667)

Thanks guys, the bushings are brand new - part of the restoration. A real PIA to install too (ask my wife)! I did not delve deep inside the steering rack however. I just repacked it per archives. I wonder if the gears in there are just a bit worn?
efh Haskell

Check the three bolts where the steering shaft bolts to the rack shaft as a precaution Ed.
LaVerne

Also wouldn't hurt to check the steering rack to frame mount bolts.
Mike
Mike TD/TA


Being in cold parts of the country you could be feeling flat spots on the tires. Or even out of round. Some new tires are notorious for that. Try raising the tire pressure up to 50 LBS and then drive it.If shaking(vibration) is lessened then have them checked for trueness. Do not forget to lower the pressure.
darnoc31

That could be it. Vibration in my 280Z with newish Michelins was thought to be balance problem, the shop went over and over it. Drive for 10 miles and it is smooth as glass. The car often sits for a month and usually only goes on short trips, etc. George
George Butz

All bolts are tight. I'll play with the tire pressure but not today. Today I have to shovel the 6" of new snow off the porch!! No jokes,
Ed
efh Haskell

This thread was discussed between 13/04/2012 and 15/04/2012

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