Concept One PS box is in!
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 106
Likes: 0
From: Norfolk VA
Concept One PS box is in!
After considering Steeriods, a Jeep box and the Concept One box I pulled the trigger on the latter. The kit showed up with the new PS box, universal joint, Pittman arm, pressure and return line and O rings. The install was fairly straightforward, but because of the added height of the new box, the column to sit lower by 1 1/2 - 2 inches where it should fit tight up against the dash. I will try and grind some additional clearance in the firewall to compensate for this but for now there is a slight gap at the dash. I had to remove the column and shorten it by pressing the shaft in 1 1/2 inches but that was not a huge deal. After initial start up and bleed the steering feels MUCH tighter. I have not had it out on the road because it is raining, but if this storm blows out I will go for a road test and report results. I took quite a few pictures but cannot post because of missing files on the computer. I will have to reload the software that came with the camera, but that's another story. 
Todd
Todd
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 106
Likes: 0
From: Norfolk VA
The rain stopped and I have completed the initial road test. As mentioned before, the box is much tighter. In fact, it seems to be too tight. When going around turns, the steering wheel no longer returns to center from the caster as before. I have to actually turn the wheel back to straight ahead. It almost feels as though the box is binding. Also, the box seems to be producing some strange noises that I would have normally described as sounding like a power steering pump running low on fluid. And, no, the pump is not low. So, I have to say that I am pretty dissapointed. I will call Concept One tomorrow and see what can be done. More to follow.
Todd
Todd
Racer
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 414
Likes: 1
Todd,
Which power steering pump did you use? Saginaw or the newer type pump that Concept One uses (I think it is off of a new Corvette). I have had the same problem with mine - when turning the wheel hard/quick the box seems to groan (or maybe it is the pump). I have not had a chance to figure it out, but I'm convinced there is no air in the system and I have put about 750 miles on the car. It is possible the Saginaw pump is not flowing enough - Concept One was starting to talk me through changing something in the inlet side of the pump to increase the flow, but I just have not had time to figure it out. I also thought it was the March Serpentine Pulley system I was using - thinking the belt was slipping or it was turning the pump to slow. I'll be interested to see where you get with yours - sounds like we could have the same problem.
Which power steering pump did you use? Saginaw or the newer type pump that Concept One uses (I think it is off of a new Corvette). I have had the same problem with mine - when turning the wheel hard/quick the box seems to groan (or maybe it is the pump). I have not had a chance to figure it out, but I'm convinced there is no air in the system and I have put about 750 miles on the car. It is possible the Saginaw pump is not flowing enough - Concept One was starting to talk me through changing something in the inlet side of the pump to increase the flow, but I just have not had time to figure it out. I also thought it was the March Serpentine Pulley system I was using - thinking the belt was slipping or it was turning the pump to slow. I'll be interested to see where you get with yours - sounds like we could have the same problem.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 106
Likes: 0
From: Norfolk VA
Todd,
Which power steering pump did you use? Saginaw or the newer type pump that Concept One uses (I think it is off of a new Corvette). I have had the same problem with mine - when turning the wheel hard/quick the box seems to groan (or maybe it is the pump). I have not had a chance to figure it out, but I'm convinced there is no air in the system and I have put about 750 miles on the car. It is possible the Saginaw pump is not flowing enough - Concept One was starting to talk me through changing something in the inlet side of the pump to increase the flow, but I just have not had time to figure it out. I also thought it was the March Serpentine Pulley system I was using - thinking the belt was slipping or it was turning the pump to slow. I'll be interested to see where you get with yours - sounds like we could have the same problem.
Which power steering pump did you use? Saginaw or the newer type pump that Concept One uses (I think it is off of a new Corvette). I have had the same problem with mine - when turning the wheel hard/quick the box seems to groan (or maybe it is the pump). I have not had a chance to figure it out, but I'm convinced there is no air in the system and I have put about 750 miles on the car. It is possible the Saginaw pump is not flowing enough - Concept One was starting to talk me through changing something in the inlet side of the pump to increase the flow, but I just have not had time to figure it out. I also thought it was the March Serpentine Pulley system I was using - thinking the belt was slipping or it was turning the pump to slow. I'll be interested to see where you get with yours - sounds like we could have the same problem.
Todd
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Racer
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 414
Likes: 1
How does yours steer? Were you able to install it snug up to the bottom of the dash so that it looks like it did when it left the factory? Does yours return to center when you let go of the wheel? I'd be interested to know how yours performs. I'll update tomorrow if possible.
Todd
Todd
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,088
Likes: 181
From: NC
2022 C2 of the Year Finalist - Modified
The rain stopped and I have completed the initial road test. As mentioned before, the box is much tighter. In fact, it seems to be too tight. When going around turns, the steering wheel no longer returns to center from the caster as before. I have to actually turn the wheel back to straight ahead. It almost feels as though the box is binding. Also, the box seems to be producing some strange noises that I would have normally described as sounding like a power steering pump running low on fluid. And, no, the pump is not low. So, I have to say that I am pretty dissapointed. I will call Concept One tomorrow and see what can be done. More to follow.
Todd
Todd
ANY UPDATE ON YOUR STEERING PROBLEM???
BILL SR
