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> Heavy steering on a dolomite compared to a
13/60 herald?
From the 1300, 1500, front or rear wheel drive, to the Toledo, Dolomite and Sprint - chat about it here!
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General Dolomite messages
Posted By : Mike Barrett, 30-Nov-2004,
12:44pm
I have a 13/60 herald (with 5.5j wheels) and a 1500HL dolomite. The dolomite steering is very heavy compared to the herald, particularly when parking.
Just wondering if this is normal? Havent driven a Dolly before so dont know what to expect.
The tyre pressures are correct, but the tracking is out with some uneven wear on the tyres. I will need some new tyres very soon so will get that done at
the same time but I did not think that would make the steering heavy when parking? The joints seem ok (just passed MOT) and steering is free when car is
jacked up. Not sure what else could cause it to be heavy?
Maybe this is normal, anyone out there drive a dolly and herald? If so how does the steering compare.
Interesting driving both cars the Herald feels very old fashion after the Dolly, both good fun though!
Thanks
mike
BTW thanks for the suggestion on the wiring, have added another earth which has fixed it, would still like to knwo whee its meant to be earthed.
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Posted By : David Rumens, 30-Nov-2004,
09:08pm
Both the Toledo and Dolomite are heaver when parking than the Herald. Having said that it is worth checking the bottom and top ball joints. Early top
ball joints were greasable.
The bottom ball joints seem to go dry of grease and then wear. They are sealed the for life type so may have gone dry and require replacing.
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Posted By : Steve Parsons, 30-Nov-2004,
10:33pm
Mike,
I agree with David, easiest way to check, is to disconnect track rods from hub, and swivel from lock to lock to check for tight spots.
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Posted By : Mike Barrett,
04-Dec-2004, 02:12pm
Thanks for the suggestions.
When I jacked it up the steering is still a bit heavy, had a look at the steering joints and the bottom ones and the NS top have split seals.
The NS top has a plug for a grease nipple but I can get any grease into it, looks like a rusty mess inside!
So the next job is to replace the joints. had a look at Rimmers and was shocked by the price, where else is good for Dolomite spares? Suddenly
my cheap Dolly is starting to get expensive....
I also realise how easy it is to get parts for a Herald... so where to go for Dolly spare?
thanks
mike
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Posted By : David Rumens,
04-Dec-2004, 08:10pm
T.D. Fitchett, 01952 619585, have parts for Dolomites. The bottom ball joints have always been on the costly side.
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Posted By : Mike Barrett,
23-Dec-2004, 12:28pm
Re Dolly ball joints.
Got a bottom ball joint off ebay, lost out on 2 top ball joints, outbid at the last few seconds (think I need to get a copy of
snipe).
Anyway thought I would try my local (long term) Rover dealership and yes 1 in stock brand new for less than they were going on Ebay and
cheaper than the usual dealers! very pleased.
Guess what I am doing between christmas and the new year!
merry christmas.
mike
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Posted By : David
Rumens, 23-Dec-2004, 07:04pm
Well done Mike. Sounds like very good old stock. I thought holidays were for working on our cars!
I will be giving my Herald a service and change wheel studs on Mary's GT6 over the break. Hope it not to cold!
Have a Good Christmas and a Happy New Year.