Uh oh... steering problems. Advice needed!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 112
From: Saginaw Michigan
The production tie rods and adjuster sleeves are designed (left hand thread on the outside tie rods) such that if you rotate both sleeves the same amount in the same direction you will adjust the steering wheel centering without changing your original front wheel toe settings. This paper explains in detail the tie rod adjustments.
http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/wp-co...-rev01mr07.doc
In a nutshell: If the steering wheel needs to be adjusted clockwise to get it on center - the left tie rod will need to be shortened and the right lengthened by equal amounts. If the steering wheel needs to be adjusted counterclockwise – the left needs to be lengthened and the right shortened.
Jim
http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/wp-co...-rev01mr07.doc
In a nutshell: If the steering wheel needs to be adjusted clockwise to get it on center - the left tie rod will need to be shortened and the right lengthened by equal amounts. If the steering wheel needs to be adjusted counterclockwise – the left needs to be lengthened and the right shortened.
Jim
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 112
From: Saginaw Michigan
FE1xdacat,
Yes the Zip picture that you refer to is a Saginaw (GM) part. (At least the picture is correct and we assume they will be shipping you the same part.) Of course the $109 price tag should mean good old USA manufactured parts.
You might take a look at some of the other websights. They may still have the same part at yesterday's prices.
BTW, the blue paint dabs on the hot upset end of the stop pins was done at a Saginaw quality inspection station. Typically a sure sign that it is a Saginaw part.
Jim
Yes the Zip picture that you refer to is a Saginaw (GM) part. (At least the picture is correct and we assume they will be shipping you the same part.) Of course the $109 price tag should mean good old USA manufactured parts.
You might take a look at some of the other websights. They may still have the same part at yesterday's prices.
BTW, the blue paint dabs on the hot upset end of the stop pins was done at a Saginaw quality inspection station. Typically a sure sign that it is a Saginaw part.
Jim
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 844
Likes: 0
From: Central KY
...In a nutshell: If the steering wheel needs to be adjusted clockwise to get it on center - the left tie rod will need to be shortened and the right lengthened by equal amounts. If the steering wheel needs to be adjusted counterclockwise – the left needs to be lengthened and the right shortened.
Jim
Jim
I printed off your paper and made notes as to CW or CCW for moving the steering wheel - thanks! I drove the car this morning out on the highway at 60+ mph. The steering is so much better! Before I did this work the car would seem to lunge sideways a bit as I took it along an off ramp of varying radius - a bit scary... Now it just tracks. Of course, it's still a vintage big-block C-3 with a refreshed stock suspension and steering parts - so not optimized for razor-sharp handling... However, it is within specs now I'm sure. I'll center the wheel per your guidance over the weekend.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,317
Likes: 22
From: Marina CA
GM Parts Direct 83.50 delivered for a brand new OEM GM flexible coupler. Contrary to what the parts book says, both power steering and non power steering take the same coupler.
That information came from the guru himself! Thanks again Jim for the help when I replaced mine.
That information came from the guru himself! Thanks again Jim for the help when I replaced mine.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 159
Likes: 0
From: Northern California
Parts ordered! I'll post the after picks if I'm able to pull this off. Thanks for all the help, fellas. I may pop back into this thread for further advice once the part arrives and we get started.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 159
Likes: 0
From: Northern California
Okay gents! The mini-project was a success. I ordered the part from ZIP and it arrived in about 6 days. I gathered up a few buddies (2), and the three of us took about 5 hours to removed the old flex coupling and install the new one. We had a tougher time getting the old one off than we did putting the new one on because the pinch bolt brackets were old and stuck in place. Plus, removing the steering wheel bolts and pulling it back only gave us 1" of clearance, which wasn't enough to get the old part out. A good mechanic could have done the same job in under 2 hours, but we got it done, the wheel is straight, and everything is fixed. I'll post the "after" pictures in the next day or so when I've had a chance to upload them from my camera.
