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I agree with what was said about the 3 joint configuration, and I have looked as the steering wheel was being turned to be sure the knuckles were not hitting metal to metal. (that would be too obvious and I would not be posting here)
It must be too much angle even with 3 joints. But why would this be different than any other Cobra? I thought that maybe the eye bolt that the middle shaft goes through was allowing movement that would cause the binding. There is no movement there.
Do other Cobras turn smooth when in motion?
I do not expect it to turn like a car with power steering when it is stopped, but it should be something that I can do with a little effort not a lot of effort when stopped. (I think about the 57 chev with manual steering that I had 40 years ago)
In the builder's manual that came with the car there is an addendum that says to shim the steering rack with a 1/8 inch shim to move the box farther away from the steering column. This could lengthen the distance between the u-joints and straighten out the shaft a little bit. I tried the 1/8 inch shims last night and it seemed to help some, I think it is worth trying 1/4 inch or more until there is no change in the binding feeling.
If that works I will let everyone know here.
The IDIDIT steering column has a bit of free movement at the steering wheel before the steering shaft begins to move. Has anyone had one of these apart to know what could be tightened up in there? It is a tilt wheel so the u-joint in there could be loose at the attaching points I suppose.
I looked around the steering rack to see if I could find a brand name or what the ratio is for it and did not find anything. I suppose if I counted how many turns lock to lock someone would be able to tell me what ratio I have.
It has a chrome tube with a chromed cast mounting boss on each end, held in place with two 5/8 inch bolts.
I am new to this site and new to this car. I bought it already built and "ready to go", but I realize that a hand built car like this is will require continual tweaking and maintenance. I don't mind the work, I like this stuff.
Thanks for your help
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