Tight Steering on RHD 1981 Series III

[Finbar]

Hello, I've been driving my 1981 RHD series III for about six months and at low speeds it seems to take an aweful lot of muscle to turn the wheel. I know its not to be compared with power steering but at 6'3", 235 lbs I shouldn't be grunting to get the car out of the garage. I wonder if a little lubrication wouldn't help. Is it OK to remove the top plug bolt on the steering box and pour in some gear oil?

[jac04]

Yes, check for lubricant in the steering box. You can use oil as originally specified, but some people use swivel pin housing grease in the steering box. The other thing to check is the adjuster on the steering box. Sometimes it gets adjusted too tight.

Now, don't forget to look at some of the other possible culprits, like the steering relay (often neglected - it needs oil too) and tie rod ends. Also check the swivel pin housings for lube and ease of movement.