77 steering
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 221
Likes: 1
From: Sylmar CA
77 steering
So it turns out my power steering pump is leaking and my steering feels wrong. In the freeway when I change lanes its a struggle to stay in the lane I'm changing into. Anyone know what this might be? and how I can fix this?
Tomorrow theres a half off sale at my local pick your part and I wanted to get a power steering pump and anything else I might need to finish my steering. Anyone know which other car shares the same power steering pump and possibly anything else I might need?
Any help will be appreciated.
Tomorrow theres a half off sale at my local pick your part and I wanted to get a power steering pump and anything else I might need to finish my steering. Anyone know which other car shares the same power steering pump and possibly anything else I might need?
Any help will be appreciated.
Pro
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 577
Likes: 6
The steering gear box could also be worn and that's where the play is coming from. How long have you owned the car? I've learned that a lot of people think they can fix slop in the box by tightening the lash screw and what they really do is speed up the wear process. I'm not saying you did but a previous owner might have. How many threads can you see in the lash screw sticking out of the top of the gear box?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 221
Likes: 1
From: Sylmar CA
Not sure where the steering gear box is. I'm assuming its this?
I got the car in 2010 but my dad got it around 1992. As far as I know he didn't do anything to the car except remove the smog pump and a/c.
I'm not sure what you mean by threads sand lash screw. Maybe the picture can help?
I got the car in 2010 but my dad got it around 1992. As far as I know he didn't do anything to the car except remove the smog pump and a/c.
I'm not sure what you mean by threads sand lash screw. Maybe the picture can help?
Pro
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 577
Likes: 6
That can't be determined for sure with a single picture. In fact I might recommend you seek some help. Maybe have a reputable shop test drive it with you and put it up on a lift to inspect everything. No offense but just the fact that you didn't know what the steering gear box was worries me about your skill level and when it comes to steering, suspension, and brakes, there is no room for error and overlooking something can be dangerous.
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 221
Likes: 1
From: Sylmar CA
Most of the shops around here usually just try to rip you off into replacing a part that is perfectly fine. Thats why I don't like taking it in, and I don't just mean by what I know. I ask my cousin who stops by occasionally and he inspects the car, he works at chevy so he's got a good idea of all of this.
I'll be sure to get some help when taking on this task, but from what you can see in the picture, a for sure replacement is that rag joint right?
I'll be sure to get some help when taking on this task, but from what you can see in the picture, a for sure replacement is that rag joint right?
Pro
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 577
Likes: 6
Most of the shops around here usually just try to rip you off into replacing a part that is perfectly fine. Thats why I don't like taking it in, and I don't just mean by what I know. I ask my cousin who stops by occasionally and he inspects the car, he works at chevy so he's got a good idea of all of this.
I'll be sure to get some help when taking on this task, but from what you can see in the picture, a for sure replacement is that rag joint right?
I'll be sure to get some help when taking on this task, but from what you can see in the picture, a for sure replacement is that rag joint right?
More pics of the rag joint would help but it seems extremely worn out.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,006
Likes: 28
From: Lutz Florida
You do need to replace the steering coupler.
Get a genuine OEM coupler and spray the old one down with some PB Blaster to help with the removal. Yours looks like the original so it may take a little work to get it off.
Search this forum, there are some excellent articles, particularly the ones by Jim Shea, heres a link to them: http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/?p=796 ) on how to replace the coupler as well as information on Corvette steering in general.
Get a genuine OEM coupler and spray the old one down with some PB Blaster to help with the removal. Yours looks like the original so it may take a little work to get it off.
Search this forum, there are some excellent articles, particularly the ones by Jim Shea, heres a link to them: http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/?p=796 ) on how to replace the coupler as well as information on Corvette steering in general.
Last edited by stock76; Apr 5, 2012 at 11:31 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 3,453
Likes: 67
From: Midland Ontario
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Also, your initial post stated the PS pump was leaking. Are you sure it's the pump? Not a hose? Are these components original, or have some been replaced? You mentioned a relative, but unless he worked on the line at St. Louis, finding a knowledgeable mechanic who knows Corvette specific systems is rare.....if you have one, then kudos. As Mark stated, this is an area where you don't want to play "Bubba" and go for some quick fix - not only just for your safety, but other citizens on the highway. Get it in to a shop and up on a hoist - somewhere where you can get under the car also, then maybe that will set your mind at ease. If they won't let you investigate - go elsewhere. Good luck.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 221
Likes: 1
From: Sylmar CA
I will get right on that coupler change. Should I just get a new rag joint from ecklers for 50 or get a coupler repair kit from corvette central for about 13?
I took my car in for a muffler estimate to finish my exhaust. They lifted it and I took the chance to look at my steering. It seems to be leaking all from the pump to the control valve. I'm not entirely sure where the leak is from tho. I'll get some pictures when I go in to the shop again hopefully in the next dew days
I took my car in for a muffler estimate to finish my exhaust. They lifted it and I took the chance to look at my steering. It seems to be leaking all from the pump to the control valve. I'm not entirely sure where the leak is from tho. I'll get some pictures when I go in to the shop again hopefully in the next dew days
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,812
Likes: 2,029
From: eastern NC
Francisco,
You might want to check to see if there is a Corvette Club in your area. If there is, go to a couple of meetings and get to know some of the folks. You will find in most clubs a wealth of information and folks eager to help you solve any issue you might have with your car.
You'll find everything from skilled Corvette technicians to solid advice on where to take your car to get the best and most reliable service. In many clubs you'll find someone that has already experienced the problem you've encountered and solved it by either fixing it themselves or taking it to someone that can.
Some of the best advice I received many years ago regarding auto repairs and Corvettes in particular is, "if you don't have the time (or money) to fix the problem correctly the first time, ...where will you ever find the time (or money) to do it over again!" Keep that in mind and you'll save yourself a lot of aggravation and money...
Good luck... GUSTO
You might want to check to see if there is a Corvette Club in your area. If there is, go to a couple of meetings and get to know some of the folks. You will find in most clubs a wealth of information and folks eager to help you solve any issue you might have with your car.
You'll find everything from skilled Corvette technicians to solid advice on where to take your car to get the best and most reliable service. In many clubs you'll find someone that has already experienced the problem you've encountered and solved it by either fixing it themselves or taking it to someone that can.
Some of the best advice I received many years ago regarding auto repairs and Corvettes in particular is, "if you don't have the time (or money) to fix the problem correctly the first time, ...where will you ever find the time (or money) to do it over again!" Keep that in mind and you'll save yourself a lot of aggravation and money...
Good luck... GUSTO
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 3,453
Likes: 67
From: Midland Ontario
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Francisco,
You might want to check to see if there is a Corvette Club in your area. If there is, go to a couple of meetings and get to know some of the folks. You will find in most clubs a wealth of information and folks eager to help you solve any issue you might have with your car.
You'll find everything from skilled Corvette technicians to solid advice on where to take your car to get the best and most reliable service. In many clubs you'll find someone that has already experienced the problem you've encountered and solved it by either fixing it themselves or taking it to someone that can.
Some of the best advice I received many years ago regarding auto repairs and Corvettes in particular is, "if you don't have the time (or money) to fix the problem correctly the first time, ...where will you ever find the time (or money) to do it over again!" Keep that in mind and you'll save yourself a lot of aggravation and money...
Good luck... GUSTO
You might want to check to see if there is a Corvette Club in your area. If there is, go to a couple of meetings and get to know some of the folks. You will find in most clubs a wealth of information and folks eager to help you solve any issue you might have with your car.
You'll find everything from skilled Corvette technicians to solid advice on where to take your car to get the best and most reliable service. In many clubs you'll find someone that has already experienced the problem you've encountered and solved it by either fixing it themselves or taking it to someone that can.
Some of the best advice I received many years ago regarding auto repairs and Corvettes in particular is, "if you don't have the time (or money) to fix the problem correctly the first time, ...where will you ever find the time (or money) to do it over again!" Keep that in mind and you'll save yourself a lot of aggravation and money...
Good luck... GUSTO
Very sound advice
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 112
From: Saginaw Michigan
I suggest that you try and purchase a complete flange and coupling assembly rather than using a "kit" to rebuild it yourself.
Also, after replacing the coupling assembly and reattaching the steering column to the dash structure; reattach the battery and check to make sure that your horn still works. I suspect that most replacement coupling assemblies do not have a wire, strap or other means of grounding the column shaft down to the gear. But your horn may work anyway with some other possible grounding paths available through the dash structure.
Jim
Also, after replacing the coupling assembly and reattaching the steering column to the dash structure; reattach the battery and check to make sure that your horn still works. I suspect that most replacement coupling assemblies do not have a wire, strap or other means of grounding the column shaft down to the gear. But your horn may work anyway with some other possible grounding paths available through the dash structure.
Jim
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 221
Likes: 1
From: Sylmar CA
I'll start asking around and looking for a club around my area. Thanks
And Jim Shea, my horn hasn't worked since I got the car. Thats another thing I have to work on. I've already downloaded your paper on how to change the coupler. I'll be ordering the steering rag joint coupler today from ecklers.
And Jim Shea, my horn hasn't worked since I got the car. Thats another thing I have to work on. I've already downloaded your paper on how to change the coupler. I'll be ordering the steering rag joint coupler today from ecklers.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 11,874
Likes: 263
From: Arlington Va Current ride 04 vert, previous vettes: 69 vert, 77 resto mod
poor steering can be from anything from alignment issues to rear end bearing issues....you also have a small bearing that if you replace the rag joint you should replace that also.
what kind of shape is the tie rod ends, drag link and other steering components in?
what kind of shape is the tie rod ends, drag link and other steering components in?