Creaking Noise When Turning Slowly

[ylbill]

I'm noticing a creaking noise and turning isn't smooth. It happens only when I'm moving slowly and turning my wheel ( at my age, I know how the car feels. I have some creaking going on in my body too ). Anyway, Its seems to be worse when turning left. Steering feels fine when moving along. Thanks

[RRoller123]

Check the steering box and idler box for fluid, make sure they are topped up first. I use Castrol 90W gear oil. Mine had a completely dry idler box; apparently PO had paid attention to the steering gear box but ignored the idler. Made a big difference in smoothness. Idler is on passenger side engine firewall just behind exhaust.

Here is the idler:

[RRoller123]

Once fluids are good, if it is still there, it could be any of the various tie rod/steering connections, or worn/dry ball joints. A fluid solution would be best!

[124Germ]

Would this apply to a 72 also? How do you make sure its topped off? Do you undo the 3 bolts and pull the cover?

Thanks, I am having a similar issue and will check this first also.

Jeremy

[RRoller123]

Pull the 3 bolts and the cover, and inside there is a well with a paddle wheel contraption inside. (I forget if you have to pull out an inner cover but I seem to remember yes...?) Anyway make sure you fill the wells until it is just about to overflow, then put the cover back on and top it up through the filler hole on the cover.

[124Germ]

Thanks for the info I will take a look at it today.

Jeremy

[124Germ]

Okay, so I take the cover off and I see some fluid, but then this middle section comes off and I see the well under it and its dry. Below are the pictures I took of the three sections.

RRoller123, if I understand you right I fill up the deep well, then put on the middle section, then the cover. With the cover on fill up the area between the cover and the middle section through the hole in the middle of the cover all with 90w oil. Any particular oil?

Please let me know if this is correct.

Thanks
Jeremy

[124Germ]

I picked up some Lucas 80w-90 great oil, will that work or do I need to find true 90w?

Thanks
Jeremy

[RRoller123]

That's fine.

[124Germ]

Thanks for all your help, I hope to get it all buttoned up in the morning and take it for a spin.

Jeremy

[fiat218]

Pull the 3 bolts and the cover, and inside there is a well with a paddle wheel contraption inside. (I forget if you have to pull out an inner cover but I seem to remember yes...?) Anyway make sure you fill the wells until it is just about to overflow, then put the cover back on and top it up through the filler hole on the cover.

My mechanic filled it with grease, was that a bad idea

[RRoller123]

Someone with a lot more knowledge than I will have to answer that, but looking at the internal mechanism, it doesn't look like a grease application to me, looks like a fluid application.

Pete

[fiat218]

Someone with a lot more knowledge than I will have to answer that, but looking at the internal mechanism, it doesn't look like a grease application to me, looks like a fluid application.

Pete

Hmmm, may have to change that

[RRoller123]

My Brooklands Manual says: "Steering Gear" SAE 90 (EP). I assume that includes both the steering box and the idler box.

Pete