Hello! I have read some forums about steering columns and a white paper on disassembly and reassembly of corvette steering columns. I have a question if I may please. I have a 1980 corvette that I recently purchased. When I turn the wheel to the right with engine on or off no problem....when I turn to the left with engine on or off it will turn but sounds like it is "skipping or grinding" when skipping or grinding occurs the wheels seems not to move. May I borrow on ya'lls experience please in helping me figure out what this could be, I am new to corvettes's but learning a lot and enjoying it. Have most other items fixed and ready to get it road worthy, but want to fix steering prior to driving at highway speeds. Thank you for your help. Thank you!

 

Your car has power steering, I'd guess.

Have you eliminated the power steering pump and associated hydraulic lines as any part of the problem to focus on the steering column itself?

Also, when you say "engine off" and the ability to turn the steering wheel, the ignition key is in the "on" position, correct? Or is it positioned "off" to insert or remove the key?

Attempting to baseline the problem so that we're on the same page.

The CF resident expert is Jim Shea and he can offer his experince to help too.

 

Have you checked power steering fluid level?

 

Hello! Yes I have checked power steering fluid levels and yes with the key in the ignition turning the wheel when off. It feels like the noise is occurring inside the steering column. Even jacked up both fronts and had the wheels off the ground. When going to the left quickly it made the same noise. Thanks for the help

 

Any words of wisdom?

 

Typically if your problem is always in one direction when steering, the problem can't be the power steering pump. The pump doesn't know which way you are steering.

Have you looked closely at all the steering components as you steering to the right and then steer to the left (when the problem occurs). Maybe you can observe differences.

I first would think that the control valve needs to be adjusted. There are several sources that describe how to remove the assist cylinder rod attachment to the frame. Then remove the stamped cap on the end of the valve and adjust the internal nut until the rod remains stationary.

My scans from the Chevrolet Chassis Service Manual on control valve adjustment are not working and I just don't have the time to fix them right now. Find a manual for reference or hopefully some other members may offer videos, or other information on the procedure.

The problem could be the assist cylinder (aka ram) which could have internal leakage (no droplets on the floor) in one direction.

But I would first try the control valve adjustment. However, I do not like the description of "skipping and grinding" which might suggest internal steering gear problems.

Jim

 

All-
Thank you for the suggestions, I found the problem....now it is fixed. The joint between the steering gear box and steering column has a screw on it. I rolled the windows down put the hood up and held various parts with the left hand while moving the wheel with the right (long reach). Quickly figured out that where the steering columns connects to this joint it appeared to be slipping when turning to the right. Used a ratchet with a swivel connector and two extensions to tighten and the noise is gone. Tested out multiple times and so far so good. Thanks again!

 

I would suggest more inspection is needed- quickly. If the joint was slipping on the shaft, I'd want to KNOW FOR SURE that the splines are not worn to the point of not having the grip to hold in an emergency.