C3 Steering conversion
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 9,431
Likes: 239
From: Powassan ON
It was actually Dodosmike that had said his didn't return to center. My 80 will be using all of the stock a-arms. When you install one of these where do you get your set up specs for wheel alignment and all that stuff? I have heard that you need a lower pressure power steering pump. What is up with that?
Wheel allignment info came from Steeroids themselves. Used stock pump with no issues. Stock shims, control arms etc.
Make sure your C/A bushings are like new before anybody tries to allign the car. When I did my steeroids kit every rubber piece was replaced with poly pieces.
So far so good. Im happy with it. Steering is a bit "heavy" compared to a new car, or what I was expecting, but even with that, I'm pleaased overall. Only 800 miles on it so far, its not even broken in yet.
dodosmike
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 148
Likes: 0
From: Chatham Ontario
Thanks. I also have the poly bushings in the c/a arms, upper and lower. My car will not return to center on it's own either. This is with the stock worn out system. I seem to remember that when I first got this car it did return to center when you went around a corner and let the wheel go. No turning it back manually. Is there something else that could be wrong? Like alignment being really off ?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 9,431
Likes: 239
From: Powassan ON
Thanks. I also have the poly bushings in the c/a arms, upper and lower. My car will not return to center on it's own either. This is with the stock worn out system. I seem to remember that when I first got this car it did return to center when you went around a corner and let the wheel go. No turning it back manually. Is there something else that could be wrong? Like alignment being really off ?
Alignment on mine is spot on what Steeriods says it should be.
Might be worth a PM to them for an opinion. If you get a response let me know what they say.
If i find out anything I'll let you know. A good friend of mine is a GM Service Tech and I've asked him about the rack from the kit and if its a decent rack and what the non returning to center issue might be about.
dodosmike
Premium Supporting Vendor
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,485
Likes: 81
From: Santo TX
Gentleman, A Steeroids system should return to center just like any normal steering system. If it doesn't then there is some sort of problem. Generally it is the alignment that is the issue. I know dodosmike mentioned that the alignment was good but it's worth asking a few questions. Can you post the final alignment numbers? Caster has the largest effect on self centering and the more positive caster you have the more steering effort you have as well. This is because it is applying more force to center the steering as you turn the wheel off of center. The toe setting can have some effect as well.
If the alignment isn't the issue then I would start looking for friction in the system (binding or component rubbing) or checking that the return hose on the power steering isn't kinked. Are the u-joints completely smooth in their operation? Any of these can counteract the centering forces from the wheels that the caster creates. Feel free to call us or discuss it here. If we solve the problem here then others will be able to find the solution latter via a search.
If the alignment isn't the issue then I would start looking for friction in the system (binding or component rubbing) or checking that the return hose on the power steering isn't kinked. Are the u-joints completely smooth in their operation? Any of these can counteract the centering forces from the wheels that the caster creates. Feel free to call us or discuss it here. If we solve the problem here then others will be able to find the solution latter via a search.
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Corvette Forum Members get 10% off with code: CF10
Steeroids rack & pinion conversion kit for '53-'82 Corvettes
Shark Bite Suspension Front & Rear Coil-Overs, Aluminum A-Arms & Diff Covers, Stage Kits
Rod Links Spherical rod end clutch linkage for '65-'82 Corvettes
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 9,431
Likes: 239
From: Powassan ON
Gentleman, A Steeroids system should return to center just like any normal steering system. If it doesn't then there is some sort of problem. Generally it is the alignment that is the issue. I know dodosmike mentioned that the alignment was good but it's worth asking a few questions. Can you post the final alignment numbers? Caster has the largest effect on self centering and the more positive caster you have the more steering effort you have as well. This is because it is applying more force to center the steering as you turn the wheel off of center. The toe setting can have some effect as well.
If the alignment isn't the issue then I would start looking for friction in the system (binding or component rubbing) or checking that the return hose on the power steering isn't kinked. Are the u-joints completely smooth in their operation? Any of these can counteract the centering forces from the wheels that the caster creates. Feel free to call us or discuss it here. If we solve the problem here then others will be able to find the solution latter via a search.
If the alignment isn't the issue then I would start looking for friction in the system (binding or component rubbing) or checking that the return hose on the power steering isn't kinked. Are the u-joints completely smooth in their operation? Any of these can counteract the centering forces from the wheels that the caster creates. Feel free to call us or discuss it here. If we solve the problem here then others will be able to find the solution latter via a search.
I was hoping you'd chime in on this thread at some point.
I'll see if I can get my numbers off the paperwork and get it posted.
No binding of the u joints, and I double checked to make sure the allignment of the joints is correct, It is. Strange thing though, As I steer through a "long" corner (a long sweeping corner) if i steer a bit in the opposite direction as the corner, the steering does get "lighter" then once the steering straightens out (out of the corner) then it gets "heavier" again, but still will not "self center" at all.
Dodosmike
Drifting
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,979
Likes: 48
From: Lakeport CA
Question for those who did the Borgeson unit.... Just took one out of the box to install on a customers car, box fits nice, manual link end installed but... rag joint is WRONG size for the steering column. I'm not amused & will be calling them first thing in the AM to get a correct one. Customer has been here several days in a row whining for their car.
Column has a 1" shaft, they sent a 3/4 rag joint. Any of you remember or have a chance to check their stock column shaft size for me I'd appreciate it.
TIA!
Column has a 1" shaft, they sent a 3/4 rag joint. Any of you remember or have a chance to check their stock column shaft size for me I'd appreciate it.
TIA!
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 971
Likes: 45
From: Middlesex NJ
Question for those who did the Borgeson unit.... Just took one out of the box to install on a customers car, box fits nice, manual link end installed but... rag joint is WRONG size for the steering column. I'm not amused & will be calling them first thing in the AM to get a correct one. Customer has been here several days in a row whining for their car.
Column has a 1" shaft, they sent a 3/4 rag joint. Any of you remember or have a chance to check their stock column shaft size for me I'd appreciate it.
TIA!
Column has a 1" shaft, they sent a 3/4 rag joint. Any of you remember or have a chance to check their stock column shaft size for me I'd appreciate it.
TIA!
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 148
Likes: 0
From: Chatham Ontario
That's a good tip on the rag joint. I'll be making sure to mention it to them when I'm ordering the set up for my '80. I just hate it when you open the box and something is missing or the wrong size. It tends to bring things to a complete stop and kills any enthusiasm you had for the project.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 971
Likes: 45
From: Middlesex NJ
So I had to grind one of the bolt flanges for the sector plate on the box itself so that it doesn't rub on my headers. Not a big deal. There are NO frame modifications needed. The box is actually tighter to the frame than the old box and the sector cover is actually about 1" + higher on the frame so it gives you more clearance to headers and manifolds in most cases.
Look at my profile you can see pictures of my install. You will have tap the collapsible steering shaft in a bit as the new box is longer but that's also not a big deal. You may find it easier with the steering column removed so that you can trial fit it. On pre 68 cars you have to shorten the steering shaft by cutting it as they aren't collapsible.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 779
Likes: 1
From: Minneapolis MN
I haven't finished the install completely (waiting on steering column rebuild) but the box is in and it definitely fits.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 3,229
Likes: 656
From: Thunder Bay
I have the Steeroids system on my '79 with Hooker headers. Install was easy. Everything fit. Hardest part is making final adjustments to the bracketry so that the steering shaft doesn't bind. That part was a couple of hours, but the rest was a cakewalk. No problems with ground clearance. Steering centers fine. That is mostly a function of caster. Didn't notice any reduction in turning radius, but I'll be checking that next time I drive the car. Overall, one of the best mods I ever made to the car.
