Steering Kick During Turning
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 200
Likes: 4
From: Richmond Virginia
Steering Kick During Turning
I’ve noticed something about my steering recently that I guess has always been there, but the better the car runs the more things I notice. When I turn the wheel in the car at decent speed, say on a long, decreasing radius on-ramp, there seems to be a point where the steering lightly “kicks”. To put it another way, I’ll be increasing the amount I’m turning the wheel gradually, and suddenly there’s a point where the wheels turn quickly all at once. There’s actually a certain angle of steering I can’t quite achieve, because to get it, I have to turn the wheel back and forth to get the wheels in and out of the “kick” zone to track the direction I want them to. I have no issues in other driving conditions except for a general mild looseness that I think is due to a worn steering box. I’m still in process of getting the diagnostics on that one worked out.
So, has anyone else run into this? I know the steering box is set up with a ratio that quickens the more you turn, but it doesn’t seem like this kick is something designed into the steering on purpose. Has anyone else had this issue, or have a good idea what it could be?
So, has anyone else run into this? I know the steering box is set up with a ratio that quickens the more you turn, but it doesn’t seem like this kick is something designed into the steering on purpose. Has anyone else had this issue, or have a good idea what it could be?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,632
Likes: 112
From: Great Plains Iowa
I’ve noticed something about my steering recently that I guess has always been there, but the better the car runs the more things I notice. When I turn the wheel in the car at decent speed, say on a long, decreasing radius on-ramp, there seems to be a point where the steering lightly “kicks”. To put it another way, I’ll be increasing the amount I’m turning the wheel gradually, and suddenly there’s a point where the wheels turn quickly all at once. There’s actually a certain angle of steering I can’t quite achieve, because to get it, I have to turn the wheel back and forth to get the wheels in and out of the “kick” zone to track the direction I want them to. I have no issues in other driving conditions except for a general mild looseness that I think is due to a worn steering box. I’m still in process of getting the diagnostics on that one worked out.
So, has anyone else run into this? I know the steering box is set up with a ratio that quickens the more you turn, but it doesn’t seem like this kick is something designed into the steering on purpose. Has anyone else had this issue, or have a good idea what it could be?
So, has anyone else run into this? I know the steering box is set up with a ratio that quickens the more you turn, but it doesn’t seem like this kick is something designed into the steering on purpose. Has anyone else had this issue, or have a good idea what it could be?
I suggest putting it up on 4 safety stands then turn the wheels back and forth very slowly and see if you can detect any binding or little popping noises. You may have a bad idler arm and its also possible your steering coupling (rag joint) may be coming apart.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,317
Likes: 22
From: Marina CA
Once you eliminate the other components give the assist ram a good look over. The 68 developed a kick/jerk on a right turn, turned out something had come apart inside the ram and only caused right turn problems, left was fine.
Once the ram was off could hear something rolling around inside it. New ram solved the problem.
Once the ram was off could hear something rolling around inside it. New ram solved the problem.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,944
Likes: 20
From: The only Corvettes in Highett Victoria
Really???
Your best bet is to have a good mechanic check out your steering box for slack and, if that's the problem, have it adjusted by someone who knows what they're doing. If this does not correct the problem, then more than likely you will need your steering box rebuilt. Gary Ramadei (sp?) has an excellent reputation on this Forum for "better-than-new" rebuilds.
Another option if you find your box is quite worn is to fit a Borgeson integral power steering box, which is a modern unit with variable boost that is negligible when cruising but increases with tighter turns or when parking. I have one in my '74 coupe and it is a much nicer car to drive than my '74 'vert with factory power assist steering. Ring Jeff at Borgeson on 1-860-482-8283.
Regards from Down Under.
aussiejohn
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 200
Likes: 4
From: Richmond Virginia
AussieJohn, I have no idea where I got that information from. Thanks for correcting me.
To validate ALL the responses in this thread, I have a leaky power steering system that's gotten worse in the last year. I have to fill up the pump reservoir every month or so when it starts whining, and my garage floor is a mess. I'm also pretty sure I have a worn steering box, because my steering has always been a bit loose, despite attempts to properly tighten the adjustment nut on the box.
I know it's NOT the rag joint just because I replaced it about 8 years ago or so and it still looks new. The idler arm is a possibility, but it looked good when i was down there last messing around. I'll put up the front end and check the steering just in case.
With the power steering leak, I figured it was time to pull the trigger on a Borgeson box, something I've wanted to do for years now. I'm saving up now to get one. Hopefully that will fix the issue for good.
To validate ALL the responses in this thread, I have a leaky power steering system that's gotten worse in the last year. I have to fill up the pump reservoir every month or so when it starts whining, and my garage floor is a mess. I'm also pretty sure I have a worn steering box, because my steering has always been a bit loose, despite attempts to properly tighten the adjustment nut on the box.
I know it's NOT the rag joint just because I replaced it about 8 years ago or so and it still looks new. The idler arm is a possibility, but it looked good when i was down there last messing around. I'll put up the front end and check the steering just in case.
With the power steering leak, I figured it was time to pull the trigger on a Borgeson box, something I've wanted to do for years now. I'm saving up now to get one. Hopefully that will fix the issue for good.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,944
Likes: 20
From: The only Corvettes in Highett Victoria
AussieJohn, I have no idea where I got that information from. Thanks for correcting me.
With the power steering leak, I figured it was time to pull the trigger on a Borgeson box, something I've wanted to do for years now. I'm saving up now to get one. Hopefully that will fix the issue for good.
With the power steering leak, I figured it was time to pull the trigger on a Borgeson box, something I've wanted to do for years now. I'm saving up now to get one. Hopefully that will fix the issue for good.
Regards from Down Under.
aussiejohn
