Steering

[Bigdog]

Interested to know is there anyway to improve the steering as mine was extremely heavy when turning but maybe that's just the way they are

[nathanglasgow]

Does it self center going round corners or are you having to steer it back to straight?

[Dopey]

Power steering helps.... 

[Bigdog]

It's just really hard when turning, takes a lot off effort

[Bigdog]

Yes but is that not really expensive

[Wittsend]

Before you do anything ...

Driving older classic cars of the period can come as shock to those who have no experience and have only driven modern Eurobox cars.

Best if you can get a 2nd opinion and/or a drive of someone else's Series and compare.
Old, stiff rigid cross ply tyres don't help. Check the tyre pressures.
Did you check the swivel pre-loads correctly. Does/did the steering relay move freely. The WSM gives data on the force needed to move the relay arm when the rest of the steering (column & track rods) are disconnected.

You'll get used to it. You'll learn not to move or force the steering wheel until the vehicle is rolling.

    

[Alan Drover]

Could be the relay lacking lubrication.

[Bigdog]

I am off an age where I remember driving non power steering vehicles but couldn't remember being this much hard work turning, but it was only my first test drive, once I get my brakes bleeding done properly then I will give it another go, when it's obviously jacked up it can be moved with ease

[Alan Drover]

The relay is lubricated by removing 2 diagonally opposite bolts then dripping EP90 from an oilcan through 1 hole until it's full.

[Bigdog]

I will check and lubricate

[Wittsend]

And move the relay arm back and forth feeling for any resistance is the movement.
Checking the oil level.

If the relay has been neglected for years then the Tufnol cones will have dried out, they need time to soak up the EP90.

 

[William]

109s are heavy to steer it has to be said.

[Gareth]

I've just replaced the steering relay on my 109. It's transformed the steering. It was not self centring and I was having to fight the steering all the time. 

Now, whilst It is still very heavy to turn if you're not moving. Once moving the steering is not heavy at all, and as I have replaced both swivels, all track rod ends and rebuilt the steering box recently, it's as good as it's going to be. The biggest difference to the driving experience is that it now self centres easily.