Seized steering?

[DaveWSL]

Hi everyone

I have recently returned to Land-Rover ownership with the purchase of a 1963 IIA in need of an MoT.
Its a few years now since I sold my last IIA but I remember it having much lighter and more precise steering than this one. The steering is heavy and almost seems to spring back when turned. The tyres are standard size and inflated to 25psi, and th esteering box and relay now topped up with EP90. The finger of suspicion is pointing at the relay, is it seized?
If I disconnent the relay from the linkages to check it how much effort should it require to turn?

thanks

Dave

 

[Swifty oh no]

This is series steering you must have short memory.

 

[DaveWSL]

maybe it was a bit of a misnomer to mention steering and series IIa in the same sentence

 

[ROB 110 HICAP]

I'd jack it up under the diff so both front wheels are clear. Then try turning the steering wheel and see if its still as tight, or uneven, also turn each wheel to feel for tight spots etc. 25psi is a tad low, 35ish may help.

 

[Deleted member 2171]

If the steering box has been adjusted to compensate for wear, it can also become harder to turn.

 

[ncooper]

If I disconnent the relay from the linkages to check it how much effort should it require to turn

Good advice above.
You should be able to turn the relay shaft by hand,with the arms fitted.
Or without the arms if you are really strong.

Regards,
Nick.

 

[DaveWSL]

Thanks for the advice, I will check the steering with higher pressures in the tyres and jacked up, and then check out the relay for stiffness and the box for over adjustment
cheers
Dave