Steering tune up

[jeepfiend]

Well, it looks like I will be keeping the Series III I got on eBay, at least for a while (see diesel cold start button post). The seller is not responding to the citation that was sent to him by the state, so I am guessing that he does not want to give my money back. This is my first Series, I have had a number of older Jeeps, and still do have a number of old jeeps. My question regards the Series steering. It is my understanding, that the Series steering will perform rather well when properly adjusted. It is similar to the old Jeeps, except that the Rover relay is much more stout than the old Jeep bell cranks, and I understand that he Rover system has more mechanical advantage. I plan to start my steering tune up at the ball swivels and go up from there. I figure start at the bottom and work my way to the top. The ball swivels are almost identical to the Jeep's, but I am wondering if there are any snafus I need to look out for? Next I will go to the ball joints on the drag link, then up to the relay. Does the relay have adjustable and packable bearings? Then, I will work work up to the box. It looks like most of the seals and rebuild parts are really not that expensive, so I should be able to get through this steering fairly inexpensively (barring having to replace any major components). Right now, the car does not even return to center. I have only driven it once, because I am waiting on the outcome of the investigation on the seller, but I recall it not steering well at all. Just wanted to get some feedback from those of you with Series experience.
I have to say, I wish I would have found the East Coast Rover's Website before I bought this Series. They have a pair of air portables for $6k. From what I have seen, they are totally honest about the cars they sell, and they say the running lightweight is in decent shape, and they are including a parts rig for $6k. In my opinion, that would be worth the drive to Maine to get them. Anyway, any advice on the steering tune-up is appreciated.

 

[antichrist]

I'd save the relay for last, because they are the hardest to do anything to, other than fill with oil.
Here's what I'd do if I were in your shoes.
1. Jack the front end and have someone try to wiggle the wheel, hands at 12 and 6 o'clock, while you look at the swivel pins, top and bottom. If you see movement there they need replacement. If the wheel can be wiggled excessively, but there's no movement on the swivel pins, then your hub bearings needs adjustment.

2. If that checks out, see if there is play in the tie rod ends, replace as needed. Don't forget the two between the steering box and the relay.

3. Adjust the steering box by loosening the locknut and screwing in the adjuster until it just gives a slight resistence. Tightnen the locknut while holding the adjuster nut.

4. The relay. Remove the two tie rod ends and using a spring scale, check the resistence to rotation, it should be 15-27lbs.

5. If everything checks out, but steering seems loose, the swivel pins may need adjustment, by removing shims from the top one and checking rotation resistence with a spring balance.

Sorry to hear how the seller is (mis)behaving.

 

[jeepfiend]

Tom,
Thanks for the reply. I think that everything has been overtightened on this system. When I drove it to the house I remember the steering being very heavy, even heavier than my lifted Jeep with no power steering! The truck driver that delivered it, commented that he had driven big rigs with no power steering that turned easier. I think everything was overtightened to compensate for some serious wear. That, or the relay is totally gummed up. I will start on the axle and work my way up. I suspect the relay may need to be replaced. The seller still has a few days left to reply, so this is a project that will have to wait a weekend or two. In the meantime, I will make some cardboard templates, and start cutting frame repair panels.
Tom, is that your 109 series II pickup (the one with the plow) on the east coast rovers site? The description is Rowe 109. Probably just coincidence.
Thanks,
Kris

 

[antichrist]

Tom,
snip
Tom, is that your 109 series II pickup (the one with the plow) on the east coast rovers site? The description is Rowe 109. Probably just coincidence.
Thanks,
Kris

Nope, not mine. I do have a snowplow though. Comes in real handy in GA

 

[jeepfiend]

That's why I thought it would be a bit odd if it were yours. I thought maybe you had a summer place in Maine or something. You never know, you might need that plow.

 

[antichrist]

I wish! I can barely afford the place I have.

 

[jeepfiend]

A little update on the Series fiasco. I just got an email from the seller, indicating that he has closed his shop and has moved to Europe. I think this is a lie, but if this is the case, I have to imagine, I am not the only person he ripped off. I can't see closing a business and moving to Europe over $5k. Once again, NEVER buy anything on eBay!!! I don't think I will be getting my money back.
Kris

 

[antichrist]

A little update on the Series fiasco. I just got an email from the seller, indicating that he has closed his shop and has moved to Europe.
snip

Hey, now INTERPOL can get in on the hunt for him.