Erratic steering
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Russellville AR
Erratic steering
On my 81 , I noticed lately when its cold , for the first 1/2 mile or so the car wanders left and right and darts slightly to the left , but after that it steers perfect except every now and then (like every few days)the car will dart slightly to the right without turning the steering wheel . All the tie rods and joints seem tight . Is this a steering valve problem ?
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 4,883
Likes: 11
From: North Easton Mass
You are going to have to examine the whole suspension and steering system to look for the problem. It could be the steering box, steering ram binding, alignment, or it could be something in the rear suspension. My 72 used to head for the left lane, even if it was oncoming traffic, every time I hit the gas hard. I found that the left differential yoke had no C-clip and could move in and out of the differential. Combined with worn trailing arm bushings, that was a big contributor to the handling problem.
If you can post some pics of your front and rear suspension maybe someone can help identify the problem.
Rick B.
If you can post some pics of your front and rear suspension maybe someone can help identify the problem.
Rick B.
Last edited by 72LS1Vette; Mar 20, 2009 at 11:45 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,970
Likes: 45
From: Cameron Park CA
Worn ball joints and/or tie-rod ends. Any slop in the many pieces of the suspension and steering systems will cause this. Like 72LS1Vette said, anything in the suspension or steering can cause problems like you describe.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,192
Likes: 27
From: Boca Raton Florida
That sounds like the steering control valve is about to die. rebuild it or get a new one. Mine came close to putting me in the wall on a quick lane change a couple times. New vlave and no problem. You might be able to adjust it, but sounds like its toast.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Russellville AR
Thanks everyone , It seems though that if it was a suspension/bushing (i'm sure that they need attention) problem and/or tie rod/ball joint problem it would drive that way all the time . But , most of the time it drives perfect . All of the tie rods/steering joints are tight . Thanks again for the info everyone , you guys are great !
Last edited by GLCLEVELAND; Mar 21, 2009 at 10:32 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 5,814
Likes: 414
From: Pittsburgh suburbs Pa.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,155
Likes: 0
From: San Diego California
And then get a good alignment. I did both of these on my 80 about 2 months ago..... nite n day difference. Damn, I have control and can drive straight!
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained
Joe Kucinski
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette
Verdad Gallardo
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
