Steering problems on WC 54

[Florence]

Hi there,
since some miles the steering control of my WC is going difficultly. Already made around 2.500km without any problems before, put grease on the lubrication nipples regulary (regarding the TM). But now the steering is so heavy to use that I sometimes can't turn in the road - the Dodge just go straightforward Or made an uncontrolled suddenly turn when I would like to change the direction
Is it a known problem? Any ideas what I could have missed?
Appreciate for any help
Sylvia

[Gordon_M]

You really have to find out which part of the steering is causing you grief - there are three main areas;

1. The bearings in the hubs where they pivot.
2. The linkage joints with the lubrication points.
3. The steering box itself.

If you have been greasing all the joints, and adding lubricant to the steering box too through the top plug, then the most likely cause is that your worm and sector in the steering box is worn to the point of binding or seizing - not good.

It is possible to adjust thiem, but most of the wear happens in the 'straight ahead' position so when they are worn it is impossible to get the right adjustment through the full range of steering turns.

If it is the steering box a new box and column is the easiest solution, and will last as long as you own the truck. Removal and refitting is not difficult except for the one big splined connection the the main drag link.

[Ugg]

Hi Sylvia:

If it's like Gordon's 3rd topic, well, I'm real sorry to hear it. Something to consider though if you HAVE to replace the box is upgrading to power steering. True it takes away from historical accuracy, but it CAN be done in such a way that it is barely noticable, And you WILL appreciate the difference.

Later

[Enigma]

Are you sure there is oil in the steering house?

[Florence]

Thanks a lot for your posts!!!

and adding lubricant to the steering box too through the top plug

Are you sure there is oil in the steering house?

I'm not sure about that! But sure I forgot that last time. And after reading Gordons 3rd topic I really hope that I "only" forgot to put oil in the steering house.
Will check that tomorrow morning (havn't got the manual and the Dodge here). As allways it's before a longer ride to a easter meeting

By the way which kind of oil or grease do you recommend therefore?

Something to consider though if you HAVE to replace the box is upgrading to power steering. True it takes away from historical accuracy, but it CAN be done in such a way that it is barely noticable, And you WILL appreciate the difference.

Ooops...I don't like the idea to make any changes, specially as I have had no problems with driving her until now. ok ok there are cars with more comfort but none with that special feeling. I know I'm crazy...

a bit nervous...can't await tomorrow morning ...
Sylvia

[Bert]

Thanks a lot for your posts!!!
By the way which kind of oil or grease do you recommend therefore?
Sylvia

I use automatic-gearbox oil, but i guess any oil will do. Friction and heat is nothing compared to the gearbox or transfer case.

[Florence]

Good luck and thanks to the forum - it seem that it was only the missing steering house oil. The steering house was nearly dry - shame on me - . After filling it up and lubricate all other points again, too ... Florence runs perfectly again. Had only time for a short ride but that worked very well.
Sylvia

[Ugg]

Hi Sylvia:

GREAT! I'm glad to hear that all is well again with Florence. All I was suggesting was IF ya had to replace the steering gear box, THEN ya might consider adding the power steering. I'm a fond believer in the sayin "If it ain't broke, don't fix it."

Later

[Enigma]

Well done!
Glad to have helped!!

[Phil P]

Hi Sylvia.
My 51 had a similar problem. No oil in steering box. When you find that kind of problem jack the front end up so both front wheels are off the ground. Use axle stands. NEVER trust the jack. Pour the oil in and then wind the steering from lock to lock a few times. You will feel it loosen up. Check the oil again because it will drop slightly once it has coated everything. It is a good idea to grease all the steering joints and pivots while there's no load on the bearing surfaces. You have obviously sorted it now and can enjoy. I am going to adjust the steering on mine tonight, drag link and steering box. because it wanders around too much for me. We used to call it the tail wagging the dog! Happy Dodging.

[Florence]

Thanks for the extra info Phill,

what also work very safe is a Unimog BRG to jack up a vehicle
Here's "Hüppi" - the 1977 Unimog of my friend - at work.


Sylvia
...happy about the help here and that everything seem to be ok with Florence!