C-3 suspension/alignment Socal
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
C-3 suspension/alignment Socal
My 80 really wanders around at highway speeds and when I move the steering wheel back and forth through the "free play" zone I hear a slight clunking sound. Also under acceleration there is a mild pull to the left. Can somebody recommend a shop in Socal, preferably in the San Fernando Valley that is known for Vett suspension work?
Pro
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 620
Likes: 2
From: San Antonio TX
Originally Posted by yppoh
My 80 really wanders around at highway speeds and when I move the steering wheel back and forth through the "free play" zone I hear a slight clunking sound. Also under acceleration there is a mild pull to the left. Can somebody recommend a shop in Socal, preferably in the San Fernando Valley that is known for Vett suspension work?
Believe it or not, I just had mine done at a Pepboys in Palmdale. Younger kid did it to the specs I asked for. He didn't mind me hanging out, and he really did a good job.
I would recommend that unless you are bringing it to a corvette specific shop, you supply all the bushings and shims. They won't have them, and it will take them time to get them. They WILL charge you for them.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 176
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From: Bakersfield CA.
had the same problem when I bought my 75 , Ive scence then rebuilt the ft and rear suspension and the steering column. my bushings in the A-arms were worn and on the rear,the bushings on the trailing arms were gone also.ball joints on A-arms seemed fine but I did those also.
the steering box was tight so that wasent a problem, but the steering column was lose so I had it rebuilt and now its tight.
you can have any one of a million problems.
Id start with looking at the bushings on the front of the trailing arms, then the bushings on the a-arms.
also tighten the steering box (if needed), and yes check the rag joint between the steering box and the end of the column.
good luck.
the steering box was tight so that wasent a problem, but the steering column was lose so I had it rebuilt and now its tight.
you can have any one of a million problems.
Id start with looking at the bushings on the front of the trailing arms, then the bushings on the a-arms.
also tighten the steering box (if needed), and yes check the rag joint between the steering box and the end of the column.
good luck.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 35
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C-3 suspension/alignment Socal
Chuck, by tighten the steering box I assume you mean to loosen the lock nut on top and turn in the slotted screw. How do you know when you have it right? I don't see any play in the rag joint and the "pin" there does not rock back and forth in it's slot, so I am guessing that the joint is OK.
When it comes to removing the ball joints Etc. I would prefer to have someone with specific knowledge and equipment do it as it's going to need a professional alignment after that anyway. That's why I was asking for a referral to somebody that another board member has had sucess with.
When it comes to removing the ball joints Etc. I would prefer to have someone with specific knowledge and equipment do it as it's going to need a professional alignment after that anyway. That's why I was asking for a referral to somebody that another board member has had sucess with.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 23,831
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From: Springfield MO
St. Jude Donor '07
Hmm. With that free play and clunking sound, I would have sworn that your rag joint was trashed. Not sure what it is now...maybe a maladjusted steering box, bad tie rod end or bad pitman arm.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 176
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From: Bakersfield CA.
steering box adjusment?, yes loosen the nut on top and slowly tighten the bolt just so theres no play,(play meaning when you turn the steering column you should just see the pitman arm start to move also,this may take a couple of adjustments to get the feel just right) . dont tighten to much .
also see if you can wiggle any of the steering linkage. (tie rods,ext) to see if theres any play?should be firm and not loose.
hope this helps
also see if you can wiggle any of the steering linkage. (tie rods,ext) to see if theres any play?should be firm and not loose.
hope this helps
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Instructor
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 176
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From: Bakersfield CA.
theres probly a corvette club near you,ask one of there members where they sudgest to go for a corvette alignment?, here in Bakersfield the chain shops dont have a clue what there doing. they should align the Ft,first then the back,then recheck the Ft. again.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 35
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C-3 suspension/alignment Socal Reply to Thread
Thanks so much for the input. I've been traveling for a few days and just catching up to the posts. Will give everything a thorough exam soon. I'm in Encino in Socal.