Steering - Why did this happen?
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 8,941
Likes: 35
From: El Cajon California
Steering - Why did this happen?
My power steering cylinder was leaking real bad, the cylinder looked a bit pitted so I got a rebuilt one from one of our sponsors.
In addition to not having leaks, the steering seems tight and firm. There was a lot of play etc. most of that loosness is gone! It is so much more fun to drive.
I thought the ram just assisted the steering effort?
I live in San Diego and took the 78 on a long drive today in the sun with the tops off to the less crowded beaches in Cardiff, awesome day!
In addition to not having leaks, the steering seems tight and firm. There was a lot of play etc. most of that loosness is gone! It is so much more fun to drive.
I thought the ram just assisted the steering effort?
I live in San Diego and took the 78 on a long drive today in the sun with the tops off to the less crowded beaches in Cardiff, awesome day!
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
The majority of the 'looseness' you felt must have been wear in the ballstud on the assist cylinder. Any 'loose' joint in that steering system will create the situation you describe, and the assist cylinder stud is no exception. Glad that did the trick. 
P.S. For "others", who have not yet addressed their steering issues: the ballstud on that cylinder can be replaced with a low-dollar kit....rather than replacing the whole cylinder. There is also an inexpensive seal rebuild kit for the rod-outlet end of the cylinder. Those are the only parts that can (and should be) replaced on that cylinder. As long as the cylinder actuates left and right, there is no need to discard it.
P.S. For "others", who have not yet addressed their steering issues: the ballstud on that cylinder can be replaced with a low-dollar kit....rather than replacing the whole cylinder. There is also an inexpensive seal rebuild kit for the rod-outlet end of the cylinder. Those are the only parts that can (and should be) replaced on that cylinder. As long as the cylinder actuates left and right, there is no need to discard it.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 12,683
Likes: 3,136
From: Shamong, NJ
P.S. For "others", who have not yet addressed their steering issues: the ballstud on that cylinder can be replaced with a low-dollar kit....rather than replacing the whole cylinder. There is also an inexpensive seal rebuild kit for the rod-outlet end of the cylinder. Those are the only parts that can (and should be) replaced on that cylinder. As long as the cylinder actuates left and right, there is no need to discard it.
If you rebuild a slave cylinder that has a bad shaft, you'll just end up with leaking seals again, after very few miles. Most commercially rebuilt slave cylinders, have new or resurfaced shafts in them.
