C2 Steering issue

[napping]

Hi,
I repaired my C2 after the front left suspension spring snapped. Since then the steering seems less precise and 'sticky' if you know what I mean! I have had the tracking done, so it's not that. I'm wondering if I have overtightened the nut that sits above the front strut (the one above the strut bearing). Could that cause the steering to feel a little vague, less smooth and a little heavy?

[ozvtr]

Check that battery is in good condition. Terminals in good condition. Battery fully charged. Alternator gives out 14.X Volts.
If battery good, jack the front end up. Remove the road wheel. Remove the track rod from the knuckle. Rotate the knuckle and strut, It should rotate freely. CV joint might give a bit of resistance.
If it's hard to turn, check assembly of the bearing and components at the top of the strut.

[napping]

Battery is good, so I'll remove the track rod end and check the movement.
How tight should the nut on top of the strut bearing be? Is it tightened and then slackened off or is there a recommended torque to tighten it to and leave?

[PaulC5]

What torque did you do the top nut up to, was the top mounting/bearing in good condition, did you tighten it up with the steering straight ahead ? I do not have info for a C2 but on a C4 the strut top nut is done up to 75 Nm.
Did you use a new spring from Citroen ?

[napping]

What torque did you do the top nut up to, was the top mounting/bearing in good condition, did you tighten it up with the steering straight ahead ? Did you use a new spring from Citroen ?

I tightened to 50Nm for both the strut piston nut above the strut and the top fastening nut. I used a new "OEM" spring, not a genuine Citroen part. Steering should have been straight ahead (although can't be certain).

[ozvtr]

The torque of the two (2) nuts is irrelevant to this "problem". The upper shock mount tube is clamped between the special "flange nut" and the shock shaft retainer by the shock shaft threads. The amount of pressure on the bearing is determined by the spring or the weight of the car! The two nuts just hold things in place. The shock strut and spring rotate on the bearing around the stationary shock shaft. The upper most nut and retainer just stops the strut from falling out of the wheel arch when the weight is off the wheels. The upper strut mount isn't really attached to the wheel arch at all!! In fact, when the upper mount breaks you can spin the retainer and shock shaft by hand!
HOWEVER, if the strut assembly is NOT assembled correctly that MAY cause undue pressure on the bearing and friction!
But this is all just a guess. You need to determine where the stiffness is.

[napping]

You need to determine where the stiffness is.

Agreed - I'll detach the track rod end and see if there's any resistance.