Rover Sports Register Forum

Im just finishing the restoration hopefully and took the car round the block for the first time a couple of days ago .The steering wandered a bit so Im having the tracking checked next week.I had the steering box rebuilt at a cost of £900 in November and I checked the free play on the wheel,before any movement is detected on the drop arm and it measured nearly 50mm which to me sounds a lot for what is virtually a new box .How do members feel ,I contacted the firm who rebuilt it for their comment Len

This is quite normal and within specs. Make sure that the angels are correct especially the castor which should be positive and far more tha what Rover specify, say 7 degrees.
See here what it does for driving (about the same free play on the steering rim):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IYm7XEi50y0

Thanks, the video shows the car to be travelling at a fair speed,without the driver fighting the steering.How much of a job is it to alter the caster angle on a 1934 Rover 12

Sorry I forgot to add,if the caster angle needs altering,is there a known size of shim to give a certain angle I could have a wedge plate made,if required once I know what size it is .I realise from previous old cars ,there is always play in the steering,but as long at it centres to a straight line ahead that`s the main help.Len

Usually it is enough to flip the wedge so that the word "front' will point backwards. See more here:
https://lulis.org/2019/11/26/castor-take-two-2/