Steering not self-centering

[Wozzaaah]

For want of a better term, the steering column on my MGF is “sticky” when you rotate the steering wheel.
It’s definitely a problem with the column/ EPAS motor as I’ve disconnected the column from the rack. Is there an easy way to lubricate columns? If so, what with? I’m guessing it’s just bushes or bearings but there’s no service parts available that I can find. All I want to do it to make it turn freely, with no stickiness, as it’s bad enough to prevent the steering from fully self-centering.

 

[8ob]

Could be a problem with the steering lock, worth investigating before you rip the car to bits.

Bob

 

[Melvyn Best]

I have a vague memory that there is a u/j or possibly 2 on the lower column, have you eliminated those?

 

[MetalMonkey]

Are you certain it is mechanical? Often with these electronic racks you get various sensor and calibration issues before mechanical ones. Typically they have different sensitivity profiles for different speeds and firm up at the center point.

 

[colnerov]

Are you certain it is mechanical? Often with these electronic racks you get various sensor and calibration issues before mechanical ones. Typically they have different sensitivity profiles for different speeds and firm up at the center point.

Does it still feel the same if you disconnect the power to it?

 

[Agrismith]

Don't know about mg's but its a common problem on kias that the grease for the worn screw on the steering rack dries out and makes the steering feel sticky. Just done ours and was 4 10mm bolts take a plate off and pack with grease.

 

[Wozzaaah]

I have a vague memory that there is a u/j or possibly 2 on the lower column, have you eliminated those?

Yes, I have.

 

[Wozzaaah]

Don't know about mg's but its a common problem on kias that the grease for the worn screw on the steering rack dries out and makes the steering feel sticky. Just done ours and was 4 10mm bolts take a plate off and pack with grease.

It’s the column, not the rack.

 

[Wozzaaah]

Does it still feel the same if you disconnect the power to it?

Yes, makes no difference.

 

[Wozzaaah]

Are you certain it is mechanical? Often with these electronic racks you get various sensor and calibration issues before mechanical ones. Typically they have different sensitivity profiles for different speeds and firm up at the center point.

Yes, it’s mechanical.

 

[Wozzaaah]

Could be a problem with the steering lock, worth investigating before you rip the car to bits.

Bob

Possibly, though there’s most definitely resistance somewhere within the column. Like a bush has gone dry/swelled.

 

[dave h 2]

Top column bearing

 

[Melvyn Best]

Might be possible to dribble some oil onto the column and top bush which might help. BL, Austin Rover often used a plastic bush at the top of the steering columns on their cars. Not sure that WD40 would be a good idea as it can cause a reaction with some plastics?

 

[Wozzaaah]

Might be possible to dribble some oil onto the column and top bush which might help. BL, Austin Rover often used a plastic bush at the top of the steering columns on their cars. Not sure that WD40 would be a good idea as it can cause a reaction with some plastics?

I do have some spray grease which might do the trick and I was also wondering if I could heat up some Molykote DX to thin it and dribble that into it. I can use my stethoscope to absolutely prove it it the top bearing that’s the issue.

 

[dave h 2]

Engine oil does make nylon Bowden cable liners swell up.

 

[Bullet2012]

Are all the MGF electric pas or was it an option ?

 

[Wozzaaah]

Are all the MGF electric pas or was it an option ?

I believe some came without it.

 

[Wozzaaah]

Top column bearing

Might be possible to dribble some oil onto the column and top bush which might help. BL, Austin Rover often used a plastic bush at the top of the steering columns on their cars. Not sure that WD40 would be a good idea as it can cause a reaction with some plastics?

It's not the top bearing.
I'm wondering if it's the EPAS motor/gears/clutch but I'm not really sure what can be done though. I think I probably need to find a replacement column, though finding a good one at a decent price might be a challenge.

 

[Wozzaaah]

Just found a used column on Ebay for £70 posted.
Hopefully that will sort the problem, though I may try and fix my own once the replacement one arrives as I'll have nothing to lose.

 

[roofman]

Just found a used column on Ebay for £70 posted.
Hopefully that will sort the problem, though I may try and fix my own once the replacement one arrives as I'll have nothing to lose.

Yours back on ebay fixed might even come close to breaking even