Steeroids or Shark Attack Question
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 114
Likes: 16
From: Parrish Florida
Steeroids or Shark Attack Question
I recently installed the VBP Shark Attack Rack and Pinion in my 70 Vette and I have a question. Before the install my car did have power steering and when the car was running and not moving, it turned left and right very easily. Now that the rack is installed, when the car is running and not moving, it seems to be harder to turn the steering wheel left and right, I checked to see if anything was binding, but all looks good. VBP said this is normal, so I was wondering what other people that have installed a Rack and Pinion have experienced. Thanks for your help.
C.J.
C.J.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 114
Likes: 16
From: Parrish Florida
Graemeinvette,
So you are saying your steering wheel is a little hard to turn when the car is running, but standing still, compared to the old P/S setup? Did you have P/S before the rack install? I want to make sure I do have a problem or something. Thanks for the help.
C.J.
So you are saying your steering wheel is a little hard to turn when the car is running, but standing still, compared to the old P/S setup? Did you have P/S before the rack install? I want to make sure I do have a problem or something. Thanks for the help.
C.J.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 5,000
Likes: 1
From: Minneapolis, Mn USA
I have the Rack Attack installed and used to have OEM power steering. I also installed hydroboost, so I dont know if this changes things. I have noticed there is a more heavy feel of the steering.
I really dont mind this, and am really happy with the feel, as I was concerned about OVERBOOST as many have stated about the Steeroids kit. In my opinion, it feels just right.
The only thing about the Rack Attack that I can complain about, other than the no install instructions, are the tie rod sleeves are only 12.0 inches long and seem too short. I have LOTS of threads exposed on my tie rod ends.
Anyone want to do me a favor and measure the length of the Steeroid gold tie rod sleeves?
Brent...
I really dont mind this, and am really happy with the feel, as I was concerned about OVERBOOST as many have stated about the Steeroids kit. In my opinion, it feels just right.
The only thing about the Rack Attack that I can complain about, other than the no install instructions, are the tie rod sleeves are only 12.0 inches long and seem too short. I have LOTS of threads exposed on my tie rod ends.
Anyone want to do me a favor and measure the length of the Steeroid gold tie rod sleeves?
Brent...
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 5,000
Likes: 1
From: Minneapolis, Mn USA
1) You may need to clearance the frame motor mount arm for your rack input pinion U-joint set-screws. Mine would come in contact with the frame lip. Clearanced the radius around it with a 4 inch angle grinder.
2) You will probably need to replace your lower column bearing as you need ZERO movement of this guy to maintain no binding in your steering U-joints. It is also very easy to get no binding. Have your support bearing installed but loose. Have your lower U-joint FULLY seated to the rack pinion and the upper U-joint extended as far up the column shaft as possible. Lock them down with their set screws, then adjust out your support bearing to work with this set-up geometry. Worked great for me with no real fuss and zero binding.
I installed the VBP kit, but if I had to do it over again, I think I would consider the Speed Direct kit as it may be a little more polished overall. I think the mounting brackets are improved and now identical for both kits.
B...
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 42,487
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SPARTAN
CI 3-4-5-6-8-9-10 Vet
CI-9 AutoX Winner
CI-3 Go Kart Champ
St. Jude '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11
Are you using the stock pump?
Simply put, with the new rack, you changed the tuning (and maybe the capacity) of the steering system. The spool valve & torsion bar that control the fluid flow are now different and the piston area that the fluid works against is different.
As you turn the steering wheel, you're actually turning a torsion bar attached to the column. That t-bar opens the spool valve that directs fluid to the proper side of the piston. How stiff that t-bar is and the profile on the valve control how much fluid flow/pressure you get and how quick you get it.
Simply put, with the new rack, you changed the tuning (and maybe the capacity) of the steering system. The spool valve & torsion bar that control the fluid flow are now different and the piston area that the fluid works against is different.
As you turn the steering wheel, you're actually turning a torsion bar attached to the column. That t-bar opens the spool valve that directs fluid to the proper side of the piston. How stiff that t-bar is and the profile on the valve control how much fluid flow/pressure you get and how quick you get it.
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Drifting
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,841
Likes: 3
From: Halifax, NS, Canada
As Brent indicated the install is straight forward. He has brought up a couple of good points about the lower column bearing and the clearance issue by the mount. Clearance was not an issue with my install. I have my install documented here: Steeroids Install
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,239
Likes: 74
From: Palatine, Peoples Republic of Illinois
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11-12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-‘18
NCM Sinkhole Donor
I've had mine in since spring. Love the improved handling. Takes a little getting used to. I did have to radius the frame for clearance on the lower set screw. The worst part of the install was a lack of instructions. The video they send is pretty close to useless. I ended up using the instructions from Speed Direct.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 1,468
Likes: 1
From: Kirkland WA
I'll just provide an alternative POV. For general driving purposes, the rack and pinion conversion is one of those things that people think is going to be better, but i believe is a waste of money.
Not only is the system expensive, but you loose turning radius as well.
I installed the steeroids unit on my previous '73 and what a waste of money. Keep in mind, this is no comment against the vendors or the quality of the kit; the kits were very high quality and well made, the instructions were great, and the kit went on as advertised.
The reality is that the stock system works great. But most people have ignored it over the years and have totally worn out systems - worn idler arms, loose tie rods, no grease in the steering box, etc. so the uprgrade makes it seem like night and day.
However, a functioning stock system works great. I can think of a lot better upgrades for the price.
Not only is the system expensive, but you loose turning radius as well.
I installed the steeroids unit on my previous '73 and what a waste of money. Keep in mind, this is no comment against the vendors or the quality of the kit; the kits were very high quality and well made, the instructions were great, and the kit went on as advertised.
The reality is that the stock system works great. But most people have ignored it over the years and have totally worn out systems - worn idler arms, loose tie rods, no grease in the steering box, etc. so the uprgrade makes it seem like night and day.
However, a functioning stock system works great. I can think of a lot better upgrades for the price.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 5,000
Likes: 1
From: Minneapolis, Mn USA
