Mark 1 steering
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JagGuardian (10-14-2021)
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As Pete yes the steering on a none PAS car is very heavy when stationary but once you are moving the steering should be firm and precise and yet feel lighter. A good greasing of the ball joints and steering joints might lighten it up a tad. The Mk1 would have had crossply tyres from new which have a stiffer side wall and smaller road to tread contact patch than modern radial tyres which made them easier to turn. Radials are wider generally so provide a greater contact patch and are grippier when stationary. Going back to crossply tyres if you have radials on the car might help.
#4
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In fact, even though the car is in great condition, a lot of people unfamiliar with old cars (especially British ones) are not aware of the many grease nipples requiring attention. It's a good idea to go around all of them with a grease gun. The Mk1 had a higher geared steering box (fewer tuens lock to lock) than most of the non-PAS Mk2 and S-Type. Though preferable when on the move, it should be even heavier at low speed.
If after greasing, the steering is still stiff with the front wheels off the ground, we can go back to the many long and happy discussions that we've had on what's the best thing to do about it.
If after greasing, the steering is still stiff with the front wheels off the ground, we can go back to the many long and happy discussions that we've had on what's the best thing to do about it.
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JagGuardian (10-14-2021)
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#12
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Morse has done as much for our cars as Mike Hawthorn and Graham Hill back in the day. My car, which was my daily driver 40 years ago, is still in the early stages of restoration. I have wondered if it might be allowed free parking in the city when (if ever) it's finished. It's not likely as the town hall has become extremely anti-car. I worked a lot with Amoco guys writing ISO standards for metocean and wave forces.
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I agree. Get the front off the ground & grease everything. Maybe with a 3 to 5% Moly grease.
Heavy steering is why the Mk1 was fitted with a huge steering wheel & skinny Cross Ply Tyres (originally 4.5" rims). Lower-geared steering was introduced in April 1959. Don't know which side of that your car falls or whether it was really a positive move. Steering remained heavy at parking speed. Just more twirling of the wheel.
Enjoy your car!
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Last edited by Glyn M Ruck; 10-12-2021 at 11:46 AM.
#15
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I know there are many older folks here whom are hard core for originality but if you search this forum there are several options to upgrade the old manual to power steering so that it is easier to drive. It will cost some money but for a daily driver it for me was well worth the money spent.
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Last edited by Glyn M Ruck; 10-12-2021 at 11:36 AM.
#18
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Hi, these cars are front-heavy and they are a workout at low speeds or parking. If you have the dinero, inquire about a EZ Steer electric power steering system, which ideally will require replacing the Generator with an Alternator. In the meantime, raise the front tire pressure to 36 psi which might help a little.
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markone1957 (11-18-2021)