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[shadetree]

Hey all,  I came around a corner in my '73 TR6 recently, having turned the steering wheel all the way to the right.  When I tried to straighten out the wheel it stuck!  I had to slam on the brakes and wrench the wheel back.  Took some force to get it unstuck.  It happened on the next corner as well - but made it home safely.  I raised the front end, turned the wheels back and forth, and all I noticed is that it made the disk brake cover ding when I turned it to the right but seemed like this was probably not the problem.   Am wondering if anyone else has had this problem and found a solution?  Nice weather finally so want to drive!! Thanks much -  Shade

[slimsgt]

Shade
Your problem could be caused by a few parts related to the front suspension. First, your lower front trunnions could be binding, due to lack of lubrication. Second, the upper ball joints may also bind for the same reason, or they are worn out. Third, might be that the steering rack is in need of attention, and bound at full lock. A good way to check the front suspension for problems is to have the front end raised and check in and out movement, rocking the wheel from the top to bottom and front and back of tire. Also, you need to move the wheel through the complete motion of the steering rack to confirm its condition. You will need to check the inner and outer tie rods for signs of wear. If the steering seems difficult to move, your problem is in one the  rotating pieces. The disk brake cover ding could be related, since normally they do not make noise, so a closer inspection is in order to determine the reason for the steering not responding.

Mark Pelham
VTR TR6 Vehicle Consultant

[shadetree]

The fix had nothing to do with the steering!  Be careful not to locate the battery cable next to the rubber flex coupler near the top of the steering column!  The braided metal earthing strap would catch on the bolt corners and prevented the column from turning.  Probably all those G's from a right hand turn!  Anyway,  after inspecting the entire steering, I realize I need to replace some of the bushings soon.  Hope this helps... Shade

[herald948]

Ouch! Had a similar problem many years ago in a GT6+. I'd removed the tachometer and sent it off for repair. In my haste, I just left the drive cable dangling. Eventually it found its way down and around the column and eventually wound itself so tight that I could only steer right and more or less straight. Fortunately it happened very close to home, when the last turn I needed to make was a right into my driveway. Still, pretty embarrassing once I discovered the problem....