Loose steering????
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Joined: Jul 2005
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Loose steering????
Hello, I have a 76 corvette and i have noticed that at around 65mph and higher it seems my steering is loose. I will be going straight, and i cant physicaly move the steering wheel side to side, and the car will not react to this. Also at highway speeds it seems like the car does not respond well to input of the steering wheel. Can this be a steering box issue? Tie rods? The steering wheel also vibrates at these speeds. Any input would be appriciated.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 15,156
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From: Connecticut, USA
You have to look over the whole front suspension and steering. It could be lash in the box if that has never been adjusted- or over adjusted.
Look at the rag joints, tie rods, pitman arm to link,idler arm, frt bearing adjustment, and ball joints all play into it. It may be a combination of these things.
Look at the rag joints, tie rods, pitman arm to link,idler arm, frt bearing adjustment, and ball joints all play into it. It may be a combination of these things.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,028
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From: North NJ
I had similar problems with my steering in my 74. Checked things over very thoroughly and replaced my idler arm. Man what a difference.
Here's a pic of the main components of the steering but like Gary said there are many parts that work together so you have to look closely at everything. Also check to see if your Upper A-arm shims are gone and those are lose.
After replacing anything get a new alignement. Good luck.
Pic is courtesy of Corvette Central website. (type in a description and they usually have good pics to help out)
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2002
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From: Buckeye, AZ
St. Jude Donor '12-'13
The more people I talk to about this issue, the more I believe these cars never felt like rack and pinion and that is what we are all comparing to. Most everyone I know with C3s says the feel kind of "wandery" at higher speeds.
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this car does not wandrer, it will track a straight path, the steering wheel vibrates and I can move the steering wheel back and forth about 20 degrees in each direction. The car does not react to this movement. How can i adjust the lash in the gear box? I looked at all the suspension components and it all looks good, as well as steering components.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
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From: Connecticut, USA
Check this post it will go over the box if that's where you end up. If you need help let me know.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1345411
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1345411
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 147
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From: New Jersey
Originally Posted by strack350
I can move the steering wheel back and forth about 20 degrees in each direction. The car does not react to this movement.
