My Willys 3A and 3B Community

TECH FAQ SECTIONS => Chassis, brakes and suspension. => Topic started by: aboyandhisdog on September 09, 2014, 09:59:59 PM

Title: Adjusting the Tightsteer
Post by: aboyandhisdog on September 09, 2014, 09:59:59 PM

I find that if I tighten the Tightsteer any more than a light "finger tight", it will really tighten up the steering such that the wheels will stay turned upon exiting a turn.  Has anyone else had this happen?  How tight are you folks tightening this device?  Thank you!

Title: Re: Adjusting the Tightsteer
Post by: 1955CJ-5 on September 09, 2014, 10:46:44 PM

I just put one in....the instructions recommend that you turn the steering wheel full lock one way or the other, and then tighten it finger tight, work the steering wheel back and forth a couple times, stopping at full lock, then hand tighten it again. Then, back it off one full turn and tighten the jam nut.....

If you tighten it with the wheel centered or over tighten it using a wrench it will all most certainly jam in a turn.....kinda spooky!

Title: Re: Adjusting the Tightsteer
Post by: aboyandhisdog on September 10, 2014, 01:37:54 PM

Thanks, turns out I hadn't backed off of the "finger tight" enough.  Turned it out 1/2 turn and that seems about right.  I guess you really don't give these any preload at all.  I wouldn't think that "finger tight" would compress the spring, but maybe it does.

Title: Re: Adjusting the Tightsteer
Post by: 1955CJ-5 on September 10, 2014, 02:05:02 PM

I don't know....I had to fight the urge to take a wrench to it.....but it works well now....

Title: Re: Adjusting the Tightsteer
Post by: aboyandhisdog on July 21, 2017, 02:19:12 PM

I've been using a tightsteer since they came out and it has always leaked oil.  I've tried gasket maker on the threads, but no luck.  Is anyone else having this issue?  Any thoughts as to what can be done?  Might try putting a drain plug gasket on it, but not sure that will help.

Title: Re: Adjusting the Tightsteer
Post by: aboyandhisdog on July 27, 2017, 10:50:32 AM

Actually discovered the oil was coming out of the small hex screw in the end which holds the guts inside the tightsteer.  Put some thread sealer on it and we'll see how that goes.

Title: Re: Adjusting the Tightsteer
Post by: RICKG on July 29, 2017, 11:15:24 AM

Quote

Actually discovered the oil was coming out of the small hex screw in the end which holds the guts inside the tightsteer.� Put some thread sealer on it and we'll see how that goes.

Mine leaks in the same spot Tom.  The real pain is pulling the fender to seal it..

Title: Re: Adjusting the Tightsteer
Post by: aboyandhisdog on July 29, 2017, 11:59:54 AM

Okay Mulely, I'll bite...are you saying you have to take your fender away in order to R&R your tightsteer?

Title: Re: Adjusting the Tightsteer
Post by: RICKG on July 29, 2017, 01:46:30 PM

Yup the titesteer rests barely touching the fender-I can adjust it but surely cant get an allen wrench on the screw.

Title: Re: Adjusting the Tightsteer
Post by: RICKG on November 01, 2017, 12:32:01 PM

I've currently got the left side fender off for fall repairs, wrapped a couple wraps teflon tape on the leaky screw, we'll see..

Title: Re: Adjusting the Tightsteer
Post by: aboyandhisdog on November 01, 2017, 12:41:42 PM

I used Permatek 2 and not a drip since.  One less thing to worry about.  Now, on to my water pump...