bent strut rod causing erratic steering?

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Jun 18, 2009 | 12:56 PM

gorrilla

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Intermediate

Joined: Dec 2007

Posts: 41

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From: Big Springs Nebraska

bent strut rod causing erratic steering?

about a year ago, I ask the board for some help on a steering probelm, and was told to check over a ton of stuff, but never really seen or felt a problem. well while working on a new set of engine probs, I found something. here is what the car does. when driving straight, the steering feels very touchy. when accelerating hard, the car pulls hard to the right. when I let off the throttle, it pulls back to the left hard. all in all the car handles like crap, and not like I figured a vette should. This week I have been working on an engine prob, and was under the car checking all the exhaust. I look and found my passenger side strut rod bent pretty bad. the exhaust pipe next to it is bent and scrapped really bad, and it looks like someone either jacked there or hit something. can this be causing the problem under power?

Jun 18, 2009 | 01:00 PM

Mike Ward

Race Director

Joined: Jul 2001

Posts: 15,892

Likes: 42

If this has caused you wheel camber to be incorrect, then possibly yes. Otherwise I'd say you have probelms with your trailing arms/shims/toe in settings.

Jun 18, 2009 | 01:06 PM

bernie payne

Instructor

Joined: Apr 2008

Posts: 190

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From: Melbourne FL

well, the strut rod most likely threw out the rear alignment of your car. You need to fix that, might as well put on two brand new ones. I would also check your front end components though. Chances are the ball joints, upper and lower are shot. Tie rods, tie rod ends are probably bad. Idler arm, front stabilizer link kits. You probably need to invest is these two things
http://willcoxcorvette.com/product_i...ducts_id=25756

and this
http://willcoxcorvette.com/product_i...ducts_id=25236

Willcox is a good place to deal with. I got my parts pretty quick.

Jun 18, 2009 | 01:29 PM

...Roger...

Race Director

Joined: May 2006

Posts: 16,528

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From: Dayton, Ohio

I've seen where some alignment shops bend the strut rods to gain more positive camber usually because the bushings are worn out or the yokes are worn.

Jun 18, 2009 | 03:05 PM

CCrane65

Safety Car

Joined: Apr 2000

Posts: 3,802

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From: Wichita KS

Quote:

Originally Posted by DWncchs

I've seen where some alignment shops bend the strut rods to gain more positive camber usually because the bushings are worn out or the yokes are worn.

I hate that. Both of mine were bent.

cc

Jun 18, 2009 | 06:22 PM

7T1vette

Team Owner

Joined: Jan 2006

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From: Crossville TN

That is where Bubba lives!!

Jun 18, 2009 | 06:27 PM

0grandmastercorvette

Former Vendor

Joined: Apr 2009

Posts: 766

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From: Charlotte North Carolina 704-394-5150

Quote:

Originally Posted by DWncchs

I've seen where some alignment shops bend the strut rods to gain more positive camber usually because the bushings are worn out or the yokes are worn.

You MUST make sure that ALL of your tolerances are correct in regards to your rear suspension so that your do not have an issue with rear wheel steering at high speeds due to parts being worn out.

Not to mention front suspension and steering...It is important also...needless to say.

Make sure your engine cradle has not collapsed and prevents the front upper control arms from being able to be adjusted, You can tell this by the amount of shims that are inbetween the upper control arm cross shaft and the frame mount for it. Many shims (total thickness above 1/4"+) are better than NO shims. If you do not understand, I can PM you with info.
"DUB"