81 Steering very "Darty" help
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Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 92
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From: Westville INdiana
81 Steering very "Darty" help
Hi
I need help here ---I have an 81 that is very darty as you drive down the road. It seeems as though it drives fine ---then just wants to dart -- it happens usually at about 50 plus MPH -------------- the rag joint is fine as I checked it already .
I have replaced the following
1. new PS control valve ( and I balanced the valve)
2. New tires and rims 17"
3 All ***** joints and tie rod ends are ok also
Would a front and back alignment take care of this ??
Thanks
B
I need help here ---I have an 81 that is very darty as you drive down the road. It seeems as though it drives fine ---then just wants to dart -- it happens usually at about 50 plus MPH -------------- the rag joint is fine as I checked it already .
I have replaced the following
1. new PS control valve ( and I balanced the valve)
2. New tires and rims 17"
3 All ***** joints and tie rod ends are ok also
Would a front and back alignment take care of this ??
Thanks
B
Pro
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 569
Likes: 0
From: SLC, UT USA
When I bought my 81 many years ago, the car was darty just as you describe. The seller was embarssed that it handled so badly that he knocked $2,000.00 off the price. New tires, a couple new parts in the front suspension and a good alignment made a world of difference.
If you haven't had a good alignment yet, that would be first on my list. If the alignment shop is any good they will find any worn parts.
If you haven't had a good alignment yet, that would be first on my list. If the alignment shop is any good they will find any worn parts.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,426
Likes: 1
From: San Diego, CA Website: ChrisMitchell.us
Originally Posted by 68/70Vette
Excessive toe-in or toe-out will also make the car difficult to steer straight.
I'd bet this is the answer, a 4 wheel alignment would fix it.
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Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 92
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From: Westville INdiana
Gary 79
I have not checked the rear trailing arm bushings yet ---the rear of the car does look like the wheels set bowed out though -------- would that be a trailing arm bushing issue???
I have not checked the rear trailing arm bushings yet ---the rear of the car does look like the wheels set bowed out though -------- would that be a trailing arm bushing issue???
Pro
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 620
Likes: 2
From: San Antonio TX
Don't forget about the rear. Any slop there is going to translate into skittish, sloppy handling, especially when braking, or accelerating immediately after braking. If it feels like the car sort of wants to "squirm" when you do either of these, it's probably in the rear suspension.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 11,874
Likes: 263
From: Arlington Va Current ride 04 vert, previous vettes: 69 vert, 77 resto mod
the laundry list is almost too long to mention from trailing arm bushings to struts to rear wheel bearings to front end parts to steering gear box,etc,etc....
i have replaced them all and gone to steeroids and it no longer wanders....spent an embarassing amount to fix it, but it no longer wanders...i would start with a really good 4 wheel alignment like someone else mentioned, good luck
i have replaced them all and gone to steeroids and it no longer wanders....spent an embarassing amount to fix it, but it no longer wanders...i would start with a really good 4 wheel alignment like someone else mentioned, good luck
Drifting
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 1,439
Likes: 1
From: Hagerstown MD
I can't point to any single item, since I replaced the idler arm, ball joints, etc. when I rebuilt my car... but the steering gear should be "on center" when the car is aligned, because when the gear is centered, it takes more effort to turn left or right than it does when the gear is not centered. That is to say, it feels more "frictiony" when it's centered.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
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From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Originally Posted by 77Dream
I'd bet this is the answer, a 4 wheel alignment would fix it.
Take it to a good alignment shop first. If alignment solves your problem you can stop guessing what the problem might be and won't be out any money for parts you didn't need.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 61,413
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From: Here to make friends
St. Jude Donor '11, '16-'17
Originally Posted by Easy Mike
Take it to a good alignment shop first. If alignment solves your problem you can stop guessing what the problem might be and won't be out any money for parts you didn't need.
Not enough caster will make a car wander at speed.
