Steering Problem 1981
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 187
Likes: 0
From: Fort Drum New York
Steering Problem 1981
Greetings from Iraq,
I am writing on behaf of my father who is working on my C3 for me. For the longest time its had an unexplained pull to the right. Long story short when jacked up he started the car (front wheels removed) and the wheel turned itself to full right lock rather quickly.
My question is, what could cause this, he replaced a balence valve (see pic) to no effect. I had in the past replaced the steering piston (not sure of technical name but looks like a shock absorber on the steering system. any ideas?
edit: i didnt realize this part could be adjusted. I'll let him know and maybe that can fix it.
Bob
I am writing on behaf of my father who is working on my C3 for me. For the longest time its had an unexplained pull to the right. Long story short when jacked up he started the car (front wheels removed) and the wheel turned itself to full right lock rather quickly.
My question is, what could cause this, he replaced a balence valve (see pic) to no effect. I had in the past replaced the steering piston (not sure of technical name but looks like a shock absorber on the steering system. any ideas?
edit: i didnt realize this part could be adjusted. I'll let him know and maybe that can fix it.
Bob
Last edited by Iskenderian; Oct 24, 2009 at 09:57 AM. Reason: pic added
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 100
Likes: 0
From: Dimondale Mich
If the control valve has been replaced. It sounds like it needs to be balanced out. The process for balancing the valve is in the service manual. It's relative easy to do. There are threads on the forum also, that would help you. It sounds like the manufacture of the valve never balance it before shipping.......
Instructor
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 243
Likes: 0
From: salisbury missouri
For the longest time its had an unexplained pull to the right.
you need to take the car in for a front end allignment they will tell your father if anything is bad on the front end.then he can decide if he wants to fix it or let them.there are a number of things that could cause this pull to one side.(just needs an allignment,bad tie rod,ball joints,idler arm,wheel bearing bad,break caliper sticking.
and the wheel turned itself to full right lock rather quickly.
these cars have a fast ratio gear box for the steering so this is normal.
as long as you dont hear noise when turning the wheel this is normal i do beleive.
you need to take the car in for a front end allignment they will tell your father if anything is bad on the front end.then he can decide if he wants to fix it or let them.there are a number of things that could cause this pull to one side.(just needs an allignment,bad tie rod,ball joints,idler arm,wheel bearing bad,break caliper sticking.
and the wheel turned itself to full right lock rather quickly.
these cars have a fast ratio gear box for the steering so this is normal.
as long as you dont hear noise when turning the wheel this is normal i do beleive.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
Likes: 778
From: Forked River NJ
No they do not have a fast ratio gear box and this is not normal to have it turn itself full right quickly. There is no way any car manufater would let this happen. The safety board would be all over this. I agree with the above. Adjust the valve. There also might be some front end alignment issue but if it is moving right or left without touching the wheel the control valve needs adjustment.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 113
From: Saginaw Michigan
Self steer would almost have to be a control valve balance problem.
BTW, along with the above list of possible causes, a bad tire can also cause a pull in one direction or another. Swapping tires side to side will cause the pull to change direction. It won't tell you which one it is, but it will give you a real good indication of the cause.
Jim
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 187
Likes: 0
From: Fort Drum New York
i guess i left some info out,
the whole front end (ball joints bushings etc) has been replaced. and the car has been aligned. according to the shop it was in spec. they could have been blowing smoke i suppose,
the other thing the car self steered to the right before he replaced this part and does the same after. (no change)
thanks for all the info
Bob
the whole front end (ball joints bushings etc) has been replaced. and the car has been aligned. according to the shop it was in spec. they could have been blowing smoke i suppose,
the other thing the car self steered to the right before he replaced this part and does the same after. (no change)
thanks for all the info
Bob
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Racer
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 318
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From: Wheaton, Illinois
Hello from Chicago, being that you are in Iraq I would think that you are in some branch of the Armed Forces. If so, we support you and all the men and women in the Military. Stay safe. I am in the same boat. I have the new valve but also have been reading about all the strange things this valve can do. I am thinking about having a mechanic do it on a lift.
