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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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