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Changed tie rods over the winter...

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Old Mar 5, 2013 | 05:54 PM
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Default Changed tie rods over the winter...

Wasn't expecting this but hopefully it's normal?
Changed right inner and outer tie rods (passenger side) over the winter and well with the itch growing ever so strong to fire her up I decided why not today?
Well , as soon as she fired up the wheel turned immediately to the left all the way(drivers side) now, I was expecting that I would need an alignment and all but wasn't expecting that!
Pulled out into the driveway and had one hell of a time straightening the wheels out and no matter what they always wanted to turn to the right.
Is this normal?
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Old Mar 5, 2013 | 06:20 PM
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I'm guessing power steering?
Sounds like the valve (on the end of the center link) is stuck or got knocked out of whack when you were separating the tie-rods.
In the manual there is the procedure to balance the steering or check Jim Shea's docs.

HIH
Mooser
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Old Mar 5, 2013 | 06:23 PM
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Redwing01
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Thanks Mooser, will check it over again.
I checked out the Center lock nut on the power steering control valve and it seemed really tight, loosened it off a bit and seems better but also have some jump in the steering.... Just trying to get it safe enough to drive to an alignment shop once it warms up a bit!!

Last edited by Redwing01; Mar 5, 2013 at 06:48 PM.
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Old Mar 5, 2013 | 10:04 PM
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Redwing01
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Found a solution to my problem, if anyone else out there has a similar problem, here's what to do.


It is recommended that you re-balance the Power Steering Control Valve after rebuilding the Power Steering Cylinder, Power Steering Control Valve, or Power Steering Pump. Please use caution when starting vehicle for the first time after installation as the steering wheel and steering rack may turn quickly to the left or right prior to balancing.
Have an assistant sit in the car and hold the steering wheel with a firm grip and start the car. If the wheel pulls left or right, remove the metal cap on the end of the control valve (about the size of a quarter, has letter "C" stamped on it). You will now see the balance nut. Adjust nut by turning clockwise or counter clockwise until the wheels are not pulling in either direction and steering is balanced.
To find the exact center point of adjustment on the balance nut, use jack stands for safety and raise the front end of the car. With the wheels in position not pulling to either side, start turning the balance nut slowly clockwise until the front wheels just start to move. Mark this point on the body of the control valve with paint or chalk. Then slowly turn the balance nut counter clockwise until the wheels move in the opposite direction slightly. Mark this point as well. This will then allow you to center the balance nut correctly every time.
Turn steering wheel in both directions checking to see if there is any pull in either direction.
Turn steering in both directions allowing fluid to flow through complete system. Check fluid level and adjust nut one more time before replacing adjustment nut cover.
If there is not any pull in either direction, the control valve is properly balanced. Replace the cap and lower the car to ground and test drive.
If Steering Wheel Surges, Perform The Following Operation:

Air may become trapped in the power steering cylinder, control valve, or lines, causing surging and require bleeding of the system.
To bleed the system, first place a drain pan or suitable fluid absorbent directly beneath the control valve.
Loosen the two lines that cross on the end of the control valve approximately 1/8-1/4 turn (counter-clockwise ).
Start the vehicle while firmly grasping the steering wheel. Turn the steering wheel completely from left to right, while an assistant verifies that a small amount of fluid is spraying out of both lines.
After turning the wheel from left to right 3 to 4 times, hold the wheel to the right while an assistant tightens the two lines on the end of the control valve.
Check the power steering fluid level and add as necessary.
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