J W Drew

Hey Guys. Started a thread a few months ago about my steering float problem. Listened to all your recommendations and followed your instructions.
Some specifics: New Tires and Shocks, ball joints and tie rod ends good. No play in the steering. Had a 4 way done and increased the caster to 5.1 degrees and toe in to .01.
I still have to compensate constantly to the left and right while traveling on the Freeway. Not a pleasure to drive.
Any other suggestions?
Thanks,
JW

Williamlindsey

have you checked the gearbox? could be some slop in the gearbox.

J W Drew

While on the lift, we have moved the wheels left to right and found no slop. Accordingly, I would think that would exclude the gear box as the problem.
Thanks for your response.
JW

WVZR-1

I would say you've overlooked something then if the car wanders/floats as badly as you mention. An intermediate shaft in an early car I would think would be the first suspect but there is something that you've not caught yet for sure. Is the person checking it with you an experience alignment technician? If it's just you and a friend with no experience I'd get the fellow that aligned it to drive it. If he's qualified he should be able to find it.

TBSS/85vette

My 1985 does the same. New tires, shocks, ball joints and tie rods good. I figured after 30 years the steering rack has had it and going to send it in to be rebuilt in the fall. Catch a rut in the pavement and the car just goes with it.

J W Drew

You could be right TBSS. I was thinking the same, but hate to throw parts at it. To WVZR-1, The company I used is a well known and respected alignment shop.
Thanks for the interest,
JW

JrRifleCoach

Wide tires will cause the front to hunt or steer when the surface is lightly rutted.
Just curious, what are the rear alignment settings?

J W Drew

Left camber is 0.0 degrees and toe is .03 degrees. Right camber is 0.1 and toe is .03.
JW

Cliff Harris

Check the rear toe rods at the center. If they're loose then your rear end is steering the car. The test is to unbolt the outer ends and then wiggle them around. They should not droop and they should be tight in the inner sockets.

WVZR-1

I would have thought that the shop then would have checked the rear toe link that Cliff mentions but it's certainly possible it was overlooked.

You mention only "freeways". Is it only a specific stretch of highway or "ALL"?

Have the mounts failed? How was the intermediate shaft checked?

blackozvet

Describe the age and condition of the tyres ?
check the manufacture date on the sidewall.
look closely for any 'Feathering' or uneven tread wear.

WVZR-1

OP mentioned tires/tyres are new as well as shocks.

blackozvet

thats why I asked about the production date, there are new tyres and "new" tyres !

JrRifleCoach

Seems OK.

J W Drew

Freeway only. Steers well on an arterial at 40 MPH. Tires are 2014. 255/50/16. Just bought from Tire Rack. Had the same problem with the old tires.
JW

GKK

What are the condition of all the suspension bushings and ball joints?...

J W Drew

I'm told the bushings and ball joints are all good. However, suspect all the components are original. 1985 with 88k. I am taking the car back and will provide the front end mechanic with all your comments. Should give him some things to look for.
Thanks,
JW

JrRifleCoach

Id suggest looking at the thrust angle ensuring it is as close to zero as possible.
Also tell the alignment guy you do NOT want him to correct for the crown in the road.
Make sure your test drive is on a flat road.

JVH

Steering shaft ok?

JrRifleCoach

If the steering and suspension linkage is tight, then check alignment.
Alignment checks good, what are the settings. Thrust angle?

My 86 would "rear steer" when feathering the throttle holding a constant speed.
Sounds similar to the op's complaint. Maybe not the same.
I replaced every last joint and rubber with new or solid.
Chased that gremlin for years and reduced it with rear toe and thrust angle.
Haven't tried any combinations to experiment with, so its better but not gone.

Setting the thrust angle as close to zero as possible with a total of .03 rear toe.
The front was set with maximum caster so both sides were equal and at the max factory limit.
Front toe total 0.2 in.
Front and rear camber 0.4 - 0.3 neg
Turns in nicely, comes out hard. Solid in the straight.
Coupled with the Kumho XS's, perfect combination for the high country twisties.