Of note also is that these "sprung" steering joints, commonly found on everything of this era, can be very troublesome, track rod ends included too.

The most horrendous steering flutter can occur and is quite common, on all this British stuff, cars included.

The usual cure, and/or prevention, is to remove almost all the spring action by screwing in the end screw until the ball joint is gripped firmly and the spring is thus coil-bound. Then back it off the absolute minimum to get non-binding movement of the ball and pin the screw in this position.

If an oscillation mode is set up by hitting a road imperfection at the right speed the result is truly frightening, its an experience best avoided at all costs and you will need replacement clean underwear; believe me. ³

R.