Front alignment question
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From: Connecticut, USA
Front alignment question
We just popped a temporary 350 hp engine in one of the vettes. While it was down we removed the steering box and control valve and rebuilt them. I figure I might as well use one of those boxes I've been rebuilding 
the valve doesn't leak either.
When I removed the control valve it was tighened up all the way to the end on the center link. The AIM calls for a small gap under .100 if I recall. The pinch bolt was riding on the threads and rolled them. I fixed the threads and set the valve to the proper position which is about 1 full turn away from the centerlink. So now the left tire is probably out as the car will drift to the right and the steering wheel is not centered. Will just adjusting the left tie rod sleeve correct this without heading to the alignment rack. I expect we'll be rebuilding the front end next summer anyway so this is just for the Fall driving which will be very limited with $3.75 gal gas.
Thanks
Gary
the valve doesn't leak either.When I removed the control valve it was tighened up all the way to the end on the center link. The AIM calls for a small gap under .100 if I recall. The pinch bolt was riding on the threads and rolled them. I fixed the threads and set the valve to the proper position which is about 1 full turn away from the centerlink. So now the left tire is probably out as the car will drift to the right and the steering wheel is not centered. Will just adjusting the left tie rod sleeve correct this without heading to the alignment rack. I expect we'll be rebuilding the front end next summer anyway so this is just for the Fall driving which will be very limited with $3.75 gal gas.
Thanks
Gary
Last edited by gtr1999; Sep 4, 2005 at 06:32 PM.
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From: Waterloo ontario Canada
I am just guessing here but how does the position of the control valve affect toe. The toe is affected by the tie rod length, and you shorten or increase their length by rotating them. You haven't done this?
Next the inner tie rods are attached to the drag link. this is a fixed link.
Unscrewing the control valve does nothing more but move the entire drag link to the right, doesn't affect toe but does affect steering wheel centering.
Hope I read that right.
Next the inner tie rods are attached to the drag link. this is a fixed link.
Unscrewing the control valve does nothing more but move the entire drag link to the right, doesn't affect toe but does affect steering wheel centering.
Hope I read that right.
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Two things..1.Control valve adjustment..jack your front end up,start engine(in neutral) and center your steering wheel...if the steering wheel moves on it's own right..or left..you must re-adjust control valve to equalize pressure...
2. Check your air pressure..a low tire (20 psi) can cause a pull and your steering wheel to be off center...or you need an alignment..(if I understand what you have done....)
2. Check your air pressure..a low tire (20 psi) can cause a pull and your steering wheel to be off center...or you need an alignment..(if I understand what you have done....)
Thread Starter
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 15,118
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From: Connecticut, USA
Thanks guys,
Norval I believe you are correct. I did not change the tie rods at all just moved the control valve out about .080" on the center link. One thing I noticed is the steering to the right is much faster then turning to the left? The control valve was balanced with the front end off the ground and set at the mid point between the Ram rod retracting and extending. The steering wheel does not pulsate. I suppose the only thing I need to do is move the tir rods to center the steering wheel.
Gary
Norval I believe you are correct. I did not change the tie rods at all just moved the control valve out about .080" on the center link. One thing I noticed is the steering to the right is much faster then turning to the left? The control valve was balanced with the front end off the ground and set at the mid point between the Ram rod retracting and extending. The steering wheel does not pulsate. I suppose the only thing I need to do is move the tir rods to center the steering wheel.
Gary
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From: Waterloo ontario Canada
Gary mark the two tie rods. I put tape on them and mark front. Then move one part of the turn and move the other in the opposite direction exactly the same. This doesn't affect toe.
If you don't mark the sleeve it will get away on you. You need a reference point.
The thread is 5/8 x 18 Since you are turning both ends at once the thread pitch is 1/2 or 1 in 9. So a little turn goes a long way.
Good luck
If you don't mark the sleeve it will get away on you. You need a reference point.
The thread is 5/8 x 18 Since you are turning both ends at once the thread pitch is 1/2 or 1 in 9. So a little turn goes a long way.
Good luck
