Loose steering on a 1981 307D

[benedict]

When I drive my camper van, it veers from side to side. I think it is the steering but not sure if steering box of rack. The steering is very loose with lots of play in the wheel, its quite scarey so want to get it fixed asap!! Can any one advise me on possible cause please?
Ben

 

[Number_Cruncher]

With an assistant slowly rocking the steering wheel from side to side from straight ahead, turning no more than about 1/3 of a turn in total, carefully check each joint in the system.

Once you've checked the joints, and if any have any play at all, repaired them, then, check to see if there's any significant lost motion in the steering box. If there is, you *might* be able to adjust it out, but be careful not to make the box go tight anywhere in its travel.

For the purposes of the MOT, you're allowed up to 3 inches of play at the rim of the steering wheel - if you're not used to these systems, don't expect to find no play at all like you would expect to see in a rack and pinion system.

 

[benedict]

Thank for that. What happens when I`m driving is that it will veer to one side, I`ll catch it on the steering then it`ill veer back the other way! Its like diving at high speed, having to constantly correct all the time. As i said, frightning!
B

 

[Number_Cruncher]

I forgot to mention, when rocking the steering, don't forget to check the steering column. Sometimes you find there's a rubber coupling which can fail - I can't remember if the couplings are fitted on these vans or not, it's over 15 years ago when I last worked on one!