Steering Problems...Thoughts?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 119
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta GA
Steering Problems...Thoughts?
Just got my car out of the shop and first time I've driven it any distance in 3 years and noticed serious steering problems!!
1. The car easily jumps left or right - almost scarey to drive. It does well under hard acceloration but if you let up or cruise then the steering is sloppy!
2. When the car is sitting and the steering wheel is turned hard to the left I hear an odd "grrrrr" sound - steering box is my guess.
Thoughts? Should I replace the rag joint and rebuild the box? 92K miles with original suspension. Thought about a new front end kit but wonder if it's just the box and rag joint?
1. The car easily jumps left or right - almost scarey to drive. It does well under hard acceloration but if you let up or cruise then the steering is sloppy!
2. When the car is sitting and the steering wheel is turned hard to the left I hear an odd "grrrrr" sound - steering box is my guess.
Thoughts? Should I replace the rag joint and rebuild the box? 92K miles with original suspension. Thought about a new front end kit but wonder if it's just the box and rag joint?
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
Just got my car out of the shop and first time I've driven it any distance in 3 years and noticed serious steering problems!!
1. The car easily jumps left or right - almost scarey to drive. It does well under hard acceloration but if you let up or cruise then the steering is sloppy!
2. When the car is sitting and the steering wheel is turned hard to the left I hear an odd "grrrrr" sound - steering box is my guess.
Thoughts? Should I replace the rag joint and rebuild the box? 92K miles with original suspension. Thought about a new front end kit but wonder if it's just the box and rag joint?
1. The car easily jumps left or right - almost scarey to drive. It does well under hard acceloration but if you let up or cruise then the steering is sloppy!
2. When the car is sitting and the steering wheel is turned hard to the left I hear an odd "grrrrr" sound - steering box is my guess.
Thoughts? Should I replace the rag joint and rebuild the box? 92K miles with original suspension. Thought about a new front end kit but wonder if it's just the box and rag joint?
I think you should have your tie rod ends checked out.
Also, how far can you turn the wheel before the tires move? Does anything groan when you're sitting still and turn the wheels? It is only when you go hard over that it groans? That's normal by the way.
I think suspension needs to be looked at, and a new high quality rag joint is always a good idea on a 30 year old car.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 119
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta GA
If I'm sitting still, I only have to turn the wheel slightly before I hear the groan and its most eident wehn turning to the left when parked. It will groan even when trurning the steering wheel very slowly. Steering box rebuild for this?
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
It would be a good idea to have the steering box rebuilt and the rag joint replaced...along with inspecting and replacing any worn suspension parts. Tie rod ends that have gone bad will cause a symptom like you explained in the drifting.
GTR1999 is about as good as it gets when it comes to steering box rebuilding. I would suggest PMing him and asking him what he thinks.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/priv...o=newpm&u=2241
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,192
Likes: 27
From: Boca Raton Florida
Groweling is caused by the hydraulics not being happy. Check the PS fluid. Also the jerkiness in the steering may be the PS Control valve. Also on a high milage car (original parts) you will definately have some wear in the tie rod ends, ball joints, bushings etc. But start with the basics.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 647
Likes: 22
From: Norwalk CT and Boynton Beach FL
I assume you have power steering. I doubt it's the steering box. My guess is that you have a faulty power steering cylinder and control valve --- when they go bad they act just like you're describing --- also tighten the belt on the PS pump.
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