Steering Problem Persists
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 110
Likes: 0
From: FRANKLIN SQUARE NEW YORK
Steering Problem Persists
HELP !!! As most of you know, I've had a steering problem for a while now . Ok, here's the deal . I've replaced : Steering box with a FLAMING RIVER box , installed a NEW steering valve, NEW piston, NEW , ADJUSTABLE UPPER CONTROL ARMS , and ADJUSTABLE UPPER BALL JOINTS. And STILL it's hard to steer !!!
The only other thing I can think of is the STEERING COLUMN is bent from the front ender I had . The FRAME was straightened , and ALL alignment specs are now DEAD ON, thanks to the ADJUSTABLE UPPER CONTROL ARMS .
How can I tell if the steering column is damaged ( short of removing it ) ?
Yes, this is the SAME car I changed the engine to an LT1 .
The only other thing I can think of is the STEERING COLUMN is bent from the front ender I had . The FRAME was straightened , and ALL alignment specs are now DEAD ON, thanks to the ADJUSTABLE UPPER CONTROL ARMS .
How can I tell if the steering column is damaged ( short of removing it ) ?
Yes, this is the SAME car I changed the engine to an LT1 .
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 921
Likes: 163
From: Hudson NH
Interestingly enough, I too have been experiencing poor steering feel for more years than I care to admit. I rebuilt entire front end, installed a new steering box, and had car aligned, with limited results.
I just pulled the column 2 weeks ago and discovered the lower column bearing was missing altogether. I suspect this is the primary cause of my sloppy steering feel.
I'm also having my steering box rebuilt by Gary (GTR1999). Once I reinstall everything, I'll have the car aligned. Hopefully that will take care of the sloppy steering.
Good luck,
Mark
I just pulled the column 2 weeks ago and discovered the lower column bearing was missing altogether. I suspect this is the primary cause of my sloppy steering feel.
I'm also having my steering box rebuilt by Gary (GTR1999). Once I reinstall everything, I'll have the car aligned. Hopefully that will take care of the sloppy steering.
Good luck,
Mark
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 110
Likes: 0
From: FRANKLIN SQUARE NEW YORK
The steering box ? I did have a feeling that MAYBE it wasn't a good idea to go with that one . It's SUPPOSE to give a tighter steering ratio than stock . Maybe I should have just bought a new stock one ? Although, I think , it's unlikely that it would be bad right from the manufacturer .
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 11,874
Likes: 263
From: Arlington Va Current ride 04 vert, previous vettes: 69 vert, 77 resto mod
when you say hard to steer ...what exactly do you mean?
is the turning the wheel requiring excesive force or....
when the car is driving its hard to control and it wanders and darts?
how do you know the PS pump is working correctly?
is the turning the wheel requiring excesive force or....
when the car is driving its hard to control and it wanders and darts?
how do you know the PS pump is working correctly?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 110
Likes: 0
From: FRANKLIN SQUARE NEW YORK
You hit it right on the head with the first question !
The car stays dead straight when driving, no floating at all . The pump was checked the first time it went into the shop, and was found to be ok .
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 957
Likes: 6
From: Burlington wisconsin
In one of Jim Shea's papers he speaks of a 40 lb spring & a 55 lb. spring used in different steering boxes. I wonder which one Flaming River uses. The 55 lb spring will give you a heavier feel in steering effort.
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Drifting
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,345
Likes: 3
Lift the front end of the car off the ground and see if it still turns hard check engine on and off, with PS it should feel the same if you turn the wheel slowly, if you turn it quickly it might be easier with PS with the engine on. Even with manual steering the wheel should turn with one finger. If it still turns hard I'd pull the pitman arm and see if the problem is in the box or column.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 830
Likes: 1
