C1 steering problem

[Rob M.]

My C1 was steering heavier and heavier so today I decided to investigate the problem. I disconnected the center tie rods from the steering box linkage and found out the wheels were turning really heavy. The steering box turned fine without the tie rods attached. I wiggled the wheels 100x and sprayed the support rods (see photo) with WD40 which loosened the wheel setup much looser but still they are still not turning smooth.

I noticed there are two holes in the setup (see arrows on attached photo). Should any greasing be done via these holes and should there be a grease fittings in these holes?

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[Jim D.]

Re: C1 steering problem

There should be grease fittings in those holes. The whole front suspension (king pins and bushings) is metal on metal and MUST be greased FREQUENTLY (every 1500-2000 miles). The nice thing about those king pins is that they are not "ream to fit". Just tap out the old pins and bushings and tap the new ones in. It's a very easy job.

[Richard M.]

Re: C1 steering problem

Yes Rob, Get some grease fittings installed. Before you do, spray more lube in the holes to help free up any hardened grease. What also may help is to remove the dust cap on top of the arm to expose the bushing/kingpin. Then spray more lube and let it soak down.

On the bushings there are grooves which help get the grease to the kingpin through the hole if the grease fitting isn't lined up at the hole. If those bushing grooves are packed with dry grease it may be difficult to get grease in there. Hopefully they didn't install the bushings upside down. If they did you'll never get grease in there. Keep adding grease until it comes out clean. If it doesn't come out around the bushings & bearing areas, you may have to dismantle them.

If you get a new king pin repair kit, save your original lock pins.(the threaded pins with that 1/2" ATF nut in the arm). Some repros do not fit.

Rich

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[Rob M.]

Re: C1 steering problem

thanks guys, that explains my problem! now I have to dig deep to figure out if I have any spare fittings which fit the holes...

[Ed T.]

Re: C1 steering problem

Hello Richard,

Your mention of the kingpin dust caps reminded me of a question I wanted to ask. When I grease the kingpins, my dust caps seem to want to pop off. Is there a special way to install them to make them stay in place?...Ed

[Richard M.]

Re: C1 steering problem

Rob,

You could just borrow one from the outer tie rod end to see if it helps, then after greasing the kingpins get some new fittings later to replace them.

[Richard M.]

Re: C1 steering problem

Ed,

The dust caps are a pain. They'll pop off if over greased. I always seem to do that too.

The repros don't fit very well, and other than tack welding them on I think it will always happen. They fall off by themselves too. It wasn't a very good design IMO.

Rich

[Ed T.]

Re: C1 steering problem

Hi Rich,

I hadn't seen any complaints here about the dust caps, so I started thinking I was doing some wrong. I tried peening them a bit to swell them for a better fit. Maybe a bit of silicone seal would help keep them in place and water out (assuming one drives a C1 in the rain)...Ed

[Richard M.]

Re: C1 steering problem

Ed,

I'd bet quite a few dust caps are missing on all C1's these days. You can't see them easily. I think the ones that are still on are likely "rusted" on.

The problem is that when you drive them into the support, you have to do it on the outside diameter of the cap. If you try to use a tool on the inside diameter, i.e. like a socket tool, it has a tendency to reduce the OD of the lip and you loose the sharp edge of the lip. Once that happens the cap won't fit tightly.

You might have luck with silicone, but you'll have to get everything squeaky clean for it to adhere.

Rich
p.s. Rob..........are yours still there???????

[Rob M.]

Re: C1 steering problem

p.s. Rob..........are yours still there???????

I'm still here but living in another timezone can delay the response time significantly! Very useful info here today, I'll fit some grease fittings today and get things running smooth again. Thanks all for the great response!!!

[Erich C.]

Re: C1 steering problem

It might be a good time to check to see if you are missing any other grease fittings. There should be 22 total. 8 per side on suspension, 4 for the tie rod ends and 2 on the steering connecting rod ( rod that connects pitman arm to third arm ).
Erich