[Spits] 75 spit steering

[Greg Rowe]

Under the bonnet, put a pair of vice grips on the upper part of the
steering shaft and move it back and forth to simulate steering.
Look for free play somewhere along the line.  The coupler
just above the steering rack may be loose (don't overtighten,
the aluminum "ears" can break) or the bushings may be
worn out (very common and can be rebuilt for about $2 with
plumbing parts - I can get you the part number if you need
it).  Next down is the steering rack itself - usually doesn't
develop play but can be adjusted per Haynes manual.  Inside
the rubber gaiters are the inner tie rods, your best bet is
to buy exchange units from one of the major supplier.
Next stop is the outer tie rods - both sets of tie rods can
be checked for play by a good tug on the steering rod.

Now jack up the car and shake the wheel side to side and
top to bottom.  Side to side play is tie rods, top to bottom,
worn trunnion bushes and both means the wheels bearings
need adjustment or replacement.

If I had to guess, I would say bad bushings in the flexible
coupler as the most common.

Good luck!

Greg Rowe

> From: dave at ranteer.com
> To: triumphs at autox.team.net; spitfires at autox.team.net
> Date: Sat, 16 Jun 2012 21:45:32 -0500
> Subject: [Spits] 75 spit steering
>
> it seems to wander a little.  if Ibm turning right then left there is a
dead
> space in the middle where nothing happens.  going straight there is a
little
> play in the steering.
>
> this car sat for a few years (I think less than 5) and I just acquired it
and
> am getting it back on the road, so I canbt say specifically when it
started.
> as I drive it a little more each time Ibm discovering new (broken) things.
>
> Ibm wondering if anyone can point me in the right direction to fix this.