Renault 4 GTL, Steering intermittently getting heavy, then full jamming.

[AndyMcDonnell]

Renault 4 GTL 1992, everything has been lovely for nearly 10 months now until this steering issue creeped in a few days ago. I haven’t hit a pot hole and the tracking looks fine. Changed the track rod ends a year ago too. The steering suddenly went heavy in a turn which caused some drama and loosened up as quick as it came, obviously I had been turning the steering wheel before this as I was out driving, with no issues. Then it went heavy a couple more times on other trips until finally there was a complete block and unable to turn right at all! Turning left was fine as I rolled down a straight hill, and also returning to the straight steering wheel position, whilst rolling. Suddenly it freed up and full steering was back. I’ve had the car jacked, wheels off - can’t see anything hitting or jamming? Had the plastics off round the steering column, nothing is rubbing or hitting? Anyone had this? Am I plumping for a new steering rack? All help much appreciated- regards, Andy

 

[jcarruthers2]

Hi Andy

When you have the car jacked up and you are turning the steering full lock left to right. What is happening? What do you notice?

 

[AndyMcDonnell]

No noise, moves smoothly from lock to lock

 

[jcarruthers2]

Hi Andy

Did you check whether the two 13mm (spanner size) bolts which hold the rack in place located either side of the inside of the chassis rails are loose? Are the spacers tucked behind these bolts still there? The steering racks on R4's are pretty reliable in general. However, I have had a worn steering rack on a high mileage R4 in the past.

 

[AndyMcDonnell]

I’ve just nipped out and given the rack a dam good pull. The steering rack is ridgid and the spacers are still in place. I got the engine back in, in January and it’s done 2500km since all fine. It’s only done 86500km - proven on ITV (Spanish MOT), can it be the rack?

 

[jcarruthers2]

Hi Andy

I would not consider 86k high mileage. The R4 I had with a worn steering rack had done 150,000 miles approx. The symptoms were a permanently notchy rack but occasionally it would lock then suddenly loosen up.

 

[AndyMcDonnell]

Ummmmm, the lock then suddenly loosen up is what I had….

 

[jcarruthers2]

Another thing you could check are the driveshafts. They would knock when you take a sharp left or right corner.

 

[AndyMcDonnell]

Replaced with new driveshafts on the rebuild

 

[jcarruthers2]

Therefore, I can't think of anything apart from a worn steering rack which would cause these symptoms.

 

[reidalpine]

Man says "Full Jamming" -you in Homeland Kingston-toon Jamaica ?? then you Al-right Man doint worry-Jost be happi..

 

[AndyMcDonnell]

So, replaced the steering rack and alls well and normal again. With the old rack on the bench it grinds as you turn the central hub. Only 87500 kms and unhappy - oh well, at least I’m mobile again.