I'm in the process of fitting new track rod ends and have noticed a significant difference between the effort needed to turn the (disconnected) front steering. One side is quite easy to turn through the arc lock to lock, the other needs a bit of effort (not superhuman but significantly more).

There is nothing to suggest that either side is worn / has play in it and I've got grease going into and coming out of all the right places. The top swivel on the tight side had been renewed before I got the car 2 years ago and I replaced the top swivel on the easier side last year.

I know the bottom swivels (trunnion blocks) are expensive to replace so don't want to be ignoring what might be advance warning of trouble. By the same token maybe these start off tight and wear in. How tight or loose can the swivels be before they are a source of concern?

Just jack the wishbone up a little so it is in the position it would be with the weight of the car on it and see if it is still stiff.

Steve.

As above ,
and check the slop in the trunnions with a bar under the hub with the suspension in this loaded position.
regards, steve

Thanks Steve & Steve.

Loading up the suspension has made the tight side as loose as the other. Not sure I totally understand why that should be different side to side, though.

Levering up the hubs in the loaded position produces no discernible play/float/undue movement in either of the trunnions, so I'm taking it that all is well - certainly nothing picked up at the MOT last year 100 miles ago.

Gordon

Heres a thought,
at one time the supply of top B/Js was crap. The angle range was limited and when in droop would bind up , simply jamb in the casting , this was true of those supplied to Daimler Clubs and also Triumph parts suppliers.
The solution if this is the case with yours is to pack the lower droop stop with thick 3/8 washers to limit the range to less than binding. . . give it a try .
steve

Steve,

Your suggested cause sounds very plausible.

I think that, given I now know it works fine except 'in extremis' at the limit of rebound, I'm going to leave it be and move on.

I want to get out in the car whilst this unseasonable weather continues.

Cheers

Gordon