Steering box adjustment.... HELP!

Oliver Wright · Joined: 23 Jan 2018 Posts: 6

Hello

I seem to have quite a bit of play in the derby's steering, she doesn't centre properly so I expect that I need to investigate the king pins to insure suitable lubrication. (haven't owned the car v long).

As the steering box is likely to cost me an arm and a leg to get rebuilt I was hoping that someone on here would be able to assist with adjusting it. At speed the play is far more noticeable (and a little scary!)

Any guidance gratefully received.

Tks Oliver

Christopher Carnley · Posted: Tue Jul 03, 2018 6:19 pm Post subject:

Hi Oliver,

What is the chassis number so that I can tell if it is a "worm and nut" or a "Marles" steering box?
The worm and nut gear rarely wears badly.

You must buy the Green Book, aka, The Derby Bentley Technical Manual ie a "right old compilation", from the BDCL Club shop.

Oliver Wright · Joined: 23 Jan 2018 Posts: 6

She an early one - 1934

Christopher Carnley · Posted: Wed Jul 04, 2018 4:08 pm Post subject:

A,B, C chassis?

Oliver Wright · Joined: 23 Jan 2018 Posts: 6

Chassis no. B185 BL

I had a good poke about yesterday evening and from the smell of the oil in the steering box, I think it has EP90 in it. I am sure it should have SAE 30 in or am I mistaken?

There was quite a bit of grease in there too which I am sure is not right, I fished this out and topped up the oil with some EP90 I had about for the time being. All of the rest of the steering mechanism was quite dry so suitably greased the ball joints etc. Hopefully this will help a bit.

I do recall that EP90 can really damage parts not designed for it so I hope I am mistaken.

Thank you for your assistance

Christopher Carnley · Posted: Thu Jul 05, 2018 6:11 pm Post subject:

Don,t worry about the EP 90 it is not a problem at all. I put EP140 in my steering boxes.

David Cocking · Posted: Thu Jul 05, 2018 11:10 pm Post subject:

Hi Oliver, I had a similar steering-wander problem on my '35 Derby when I originally took ownership. I found a few loose items here and there around the front end which I'm sure were contributing, but the major culprit was a worn bolt, one of the two which connect the OS steering arm to the stub axle. I replaced it with a new (eye-wateringly expensive) bolt (not oversize) and it has steered true and steady ever since.