Jowett 10/4 heavy steering

[nigel jarrett]

Hi all I am interested in purchasing a 1937 10/4 when I tested the car the steering seemed stiff and heavy and tended to wander on the road ,has anyone got any ideas as I am quite keen on the car to go alongside my Javelin
Thank you in anticipation

[k. rogers]

Wow, Nigel, that sounds great. It could be someone has attempted to take up freeplay in the steering box by turning the outer sleeve (anti-clockwise) on the column, but may have over done it. The only way is to jack the car up at the front and release the sleeve until the steering is free, then finely adjust. That is of course if it is the problem - I can't think of anything else it might be!

[nigel jarrett]

Thanks Ken any help is appreciated as I have no knowledge on pre war cars Yet to make final decision on the car Ann says yes ,we will see

[Tony Fearn]

Hello Nigel, nice photo of the three of you in the February Jowetteer.
The 10/4s have a different type of steering to the earlier pre-war cars such as mine and Ken's.
This attached scan I've pieced together is from 'The Book of the Jowett and Bradford' by Pitman.
If stiff steering is the only problem then have a go and buy it, it might only be a shim! (-or two)
I don't have an instruction book or illustrated spares catalogue for the 10/4 model, but a request through the mag rather than JowettTalk might just turn up trumps.
I don't know whether there's a register of who owns these four-cylinder cars in the Club, but a telephone call to the Spares Officer might bear fruit. Peter is very knowledgeable.
Best wishes,
Tony.

Marles weller steering.jpg

P.S. The old grey cells have been stimulated, and I've remembered that I have a more detailed source for the Marles Weller steering, so here it is:

Marles Steering001.jpg

Marles Steering002.jpg

[k. rogers]

Of course, I was forgetting the 10/4 is a different set up. Might be worth having a word with Geoff, but whatever the problem, I'm sure it can be cured. I'm excited for you both - it would be fantastic to have one of these in our section. Their engines are so smooth! Good luck.

[nigel jarrett]

Thank you Tony there is a lot of useful information there

[Keith Clements]

Vic Morrison in NZ is your best bet. I had a great drive through the mountains with him in his 4 cylinder. Fantastic car.

I think what you want is in the Gallery or the 10/4 handbook
or Spares List
If there is something you cannot find in the Gallery, then it needs to be in there!

[David Kemp]

Before dismantling steering gear, check all the basics. Are the kingpins greased & in good condition?
Are the grease nipples allowing grease to penetrate? If not you will need arms like Tarzan to steer.

[The Bradford man]

My 10 had the Steering box fully rebuilt before I got it. Fantastic to steer and handles very well.
I wish my 8 was so nice in the steering.