Steering problem

[Geoff Butcher]

Just lately I've noticed that the steering on my Mk3 has become a bit heavier, not self=centring as it used to. Funny thing is that it's always fine when I first drive away in the morning and the stiffness comes on later,which makes me wonder if it's heat related in some way...All the components seem to be in good order, and you'd normally expect things to get looser, not tighter over time...Any suggestions?

[benofbrum]

When I bought my Cortez, it also had very heavy steering and no self entering to the extent that by the time I had driven it from Bedford to Birmingham, I had blisters on my hands.
The problem was that the U/J coupling on the steering column was very rusty caused by water leaking from under the brake/clutch assembly on the bulkhead.
Liberal treatment with WD40 then motorcycle chain lube brought it back to normal.

[Geoff Butcher]

Unfortunately, I think the coupling on the Mk3 is a flexible disc with four bolt holes in it, so sadly nothing to stiffen up...