Subject: Re: LG6 Steering Box refurbishment
Hi Michael,
I have scanned the photos so will send once I have your email address. The needle roller bearing I referred to was the one for the roller, which is attached to the other end of the drop arm shaft to the drop arm.
Two other possibilities for free play; worth checking before you spend time on the box.
1/ The steering idler arms, which are bolted to the underside of the chassis. Check if these tip or display side movement whilst someone rocks the steering wheel...wheels on ground.
2/ King pins. These are an unusual arrangement, with a cup and cone bearing at the top, and a large bronze top hat bearing at the bottom. To check; wheel off ground, grasp the wheel at top and bottom, and rock it hard. Important to do this whilst someone presses hard on the brake pedal. You can then check without the brakes...any additional free play showing then will mean your wheel bearings need attention.
Both 1 and 2 rely on the car's automatic chassis lubrication system. A great arrangement, but massively compromised by using the car's sump as its reservoir...especially given the propensity for less modern oils to turn to sludge. If you have that system...you need to check that it is working. That on my V12 largely came to life with use of the car, and a change to Duckhams Q20/50 detergent oil...the detergent aspect really doing what it said on the tin! Do take advice however before using a detergent oil.
If the system has been removed (it has on my LG6, and I wish it hadn't been!) you will have grease nipples (presumably). Grease is OK for the steering idlers, but the kingpins need OIL. I use Hypoy 90. I've recently done a full lubrication service on my LG6...a long and messy job, given the need for oil in many cases.
Regards
Laurence