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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Alarming steering

Yesterday I tried to turn right off the main road and the steering stopped hard after a few degrees. It was as if the steering stop was in the wrong place. I could not make the turn and had to stop and back up. As I proceeded up the side road there was a slight clatter from under the car, like a small stone. The steering was now normal. I have jacked up the front and inspected the whole suspension, and can find nothing wrong. Steering goes lock to lock perfectly. I can't see how any object could have caused this. At speed it could have been highly dangerous. Any thoughts folks?

Les
L B Rose

At the bottom of the king pin there are 2 little wing-like areas which limit the rotation of the stub axle assembly (items 4 & 45 in the Moss diagram). A stone in there can do what you describe. Inspect them and you may see signs where the debris was temporarily wedged. It's a one in a million chance of happening, congratulations!
Stan Kowznofski

Check the pinch bolt hasn’t dropped out at the end of the column where it joins the rack
Mike Fairclough

It must have been a stone, as it hasn't happened again. I suppose after nearly 50 years driving these cars it was likely to happen once.

Les
L B Rose

Les
Did you check the pinchbolt as Mike suggested
It's a possability and dangerous if it's gone
It won't jam again if it's gone but the column can disconnect from the rack
William Revit

Yes I checked the pinch bolt.

Les
L B Rose

This thread was discussed between 02/03/2019 and 25/03/2019

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