Play in steering
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 1,476
Likes: 1
From: Mt Juliet TN
Play in steering
I seem to have about an inch or so of play in the steering of my car. I was wondering if there was any way to tell if my pitman arm, steering box or steering coupler are bad. I'd hate to replace all three if only one is the problem. Any advice appreciated.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 803
Likes: 0
From: South San Francisco CA
Re: Play in steering (TTop Tony)
There is a screw with a retainer nut on top of the steering box. You can loosen the nut and turn the screw clockwise and that will take out some of the play. You have to make sure that the steering wheel will return to center by itself. If it doesn't ....you've tightened it too much. Before doing this....get some other opinions because I haven't done this in a few years and as an older guy with a fuzzy memory.....well.....let's just say......I seem to recall that's the way I did it.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 1,476
Likes: 1
From: Mt Juliet TN
Re: Play in steering (82dukman)
I'll give that a shot. Even though replacing the rag joint looks like a pain it is the cheapest of the three to fix. I don't guess the power steering would hinder the method at all would it?
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 11,872
Likes: 12
From: Waterloo ontario Canada
Re: Play in steering (TTop Tony)
I would look for play in the pitman arm bushings. With the car up on a hoist I could grab the pitman arm and see slight movement in the pitman shaft. I had about .006 clearance and you want about .001. I had to install 3 new bushings to correct mine.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 1,476
Likes: 1
From: Mt Juliet TN
Re: Play in steering (norvalwilhelm)
Cool thanks. Two things to check now. This is great before no time I should have a Vette that handles like a Vette. I guess if both of those check out its probably the steering box.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,645
Likes: 11
From: Schaumburg IL
Re: Play in steering (TTop Tony)
Check what the others are saying. But also jack up the car or go to an alignment shop and checkout the idler arm, relay rod and tie rod ends both inner and outer. The steering box and pitman arm couple the wheel to the steering parts. Don't drive too far till you check out the steering links.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 112
From: Saginaw Michigan
Re: Play in steering (TTop Tony)
There is one easy test that you can conduct on your gear. There are two areas that can be adjusted. One was the pitman shaft to rack mesh which you already adjusted. The other is the input shaft (worm shaft) thrust bearing adjustment. Take a look at the gap between your flexible coupling and your steering gear. Have someone rock the steering wheel back and forth with the engine off. Can you detect any axial movement of the gear input shaft? If you see any axial motion this will translate into lost steering wheel motion when steering. You will need to loosen the adjuster lock nut and tighten the adjuster.
If you go to http://www.corvettefaq.com and look under Steering. You can go to my paper entitled; Steering Gear Adjustment (in vehicle). It outlines the procedure much more clearly than the above.
As I say, the check is quite simple so you aren't out anything by trying.
JIML82@aol.com
If you go to http://www.corvettefaq.com and look under Steering. You can go to my paper entitled; Steering Gear Adjustment (in vehicle). It outlines the procedure much more clearly than the above.
As I say, the check is quite simple so you aren't out anything by trying.
JIML82@aol.com
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 1,476
Likes: 1
From: Mt Juliet TN
Re: Play in steering (Jim Shea)
My neighbor dropped by this weekend and he turned the steering wheel and showed me where the rag joint was torn and giving. Looks like a pain to replace. Anybody know of any good articles on this? Lots of pictures would be helpfull.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 112
From: Saginaw Michigan
Re: Play in steering (TTop Tony)
I have two descriptions that should be helpful. Go to http://www.corvettefaq.com and look under Steering. The two papers are Flex Coupling Installation Instructions and Adjust Dimmer and/or Ignition Switch (Dropping Steering Column).
I believe that last month's issue of Corvette Fever had a picture article on replacing the flexible coupling. The problem I have with the article is that they recommend prying on the coupling and flange to gain clearance to separate the two parts. I believe that you should follow the Chevrolet Service Manual and drop the steering column or loosen the steering gear in order to gain clearance to detach the flexible coupling.
I believe that last month's issue of Corvette Fever had a picture article on replacing the flexible coupling. The problem I have with the article is that they recommend prying on the coupling and flange to gain clearance to separate the two parts. I believe that you should follow the Chevrolet Service Manual and drop the steering column or loosen the steering gear in order to gain clearance to detach the flexible coupling.
