1980 Inconsistent power steering play
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
1980 Inconsistent power steering play
After having the car sit for 12 years I decided to put it back on the road. I've replaced a ton of things on it and now I'm working on the steering.
The problem is this - when driving on the road/expressway the car begins to drift slightly. Sometimes I am able to correct it just by turning the steering wheel. At other times, those slight turns do not register. This is where it gets scary. I ever so slowly inch the steering wheel until it catches and immedietly yet very slowly turn it the other way so I don't over steer the car. The faster I go the scarier it is to correct the drift.
I replaced the power steering pump a few months ago and I'm planning on replacing shocks, springs, get a front end alignement and possibly rebuild the front end if needed but what would cause the inconsistent play in the steering wheel while trying to correct the drift? I recently insalled a 4 speed transmission on the car and it's fun to drive now except for that little part where I almost crap my pants everytime I need to correct the drift on the car.
The problem is this - when driving on the road/expressway the car begins to drift slightly. Sometimes I am able to correct it just by turning the steering wheel. At other times, those slight turns do not register. This is where it gets scary. I ever so slowly inch the steering wheel until it catches and immedietly yet very slowly turn it the other way so I don't over steer the car. The faster I go the scarier it is to correct the drift.
I replaced the power steering pump a few months ago and I'm planning on replacing shocks, springs, get a front end alignement and possibly rebuild the front end if needed but what would cause the inconsistent play in the steering wheel while trying to correct the drift? I recently insalled a 4 speed transmission on the car and it's fun to drive now except for that little part where I almost crap my pants everytime I need to correct the drift on the car.
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 18,690
Likes: 2,572
The first thing you have to check is for wear in all the steering components, idler arm, center link, tire rods, etc. The other suspension bushings can also contribute to your problem. The other possibility is excessive play in the steering box or the steering coupler.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,019
Likes: 18
From: St. Louis MO
when you replaced the pump did you "purge" the system? If you put the car up on jacks and start the car. Turn the steering wheel from left to right, lock to lock, a couple times this will purge air from the system. Make sure you fill the system with fluid.... should take care of some of the issues. No leaks are there?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 5,943
Likes: 61
From: Southern NH
Start here.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 8,351
Likes: 75
From: Tampa Bay FL
Steering box was my first thought. Definitely also check all rubber bushings for rot.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 406
Likes: 1
From: Maroochydore QLD
All of the above is good to check on any car this age, however I am surprised no one has suggested a sticking or leaking control valve. I would put a rebuild kit through the control valve immediately (or replace it) even if it is not causing the issue, rebuild is easy, cheap and worthwhile.
Dennis.
Dennis.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
The weather was ok today so I took a quick look at the steering. Attached is a pic of what I encountered. The weather is suppose to be nicer tomorrow so I'll jack it up and take a look underneath. Thanks for all your suggestions and I'll look at them tomorrow.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 8,351
Likes: 75
From: Tampa Bay FL
All of the above is good to check on any car this age, however I am surprised no one has suggested a sticking or leaking control valve. I would put a rebuild kit through the control valve immediately (or replace it) even if it is not causing the issue, rebuild is easy, cheap and worthwhile.
Dennis.
Dennis.
I bought all-rebuilt PS pump, hoses, control valve and slave cylinder when I refreshed my power steering. Works awesome and no wandering.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 6,842
Likes: 285
From: Palmdale CA
My 74' was doing the exact same thing and it was an easy fix. I haven't seen anyone suggest taking up the gear lash in the steering box yet, so I am going to see if C3L82 has checked it yet. On top of the steering box, right in the middle, there's a nut, with a slotted bolt in the center. You loosen the nut and turn the screw until you feel resistance and then back off an 1/8 to 1/4 of a turn. It made a total night and day difference, because my 74' was all over the place!
http://tech.corvettecentral.com/2011...ring-concerns/
"The adjustment of the steering gear is simple: a 5/8″ wrench is used to loosen the lock-nut and a flat bladed screwdriver is used to make the adjustment. Turn the adjusting screw down clockwise until resistance is felt, then back off the screw a quarter turn. While holding the adjusting screw with the screwdriver, the 5/8″ wrench secures the lock-nut."
http://tech.corvettecentral.com/2011...ring-concerns/
"The adjustment of the steering gear is simple: a 5/8″ wrench is used to loosen the lock-nut and a flat bladed screwdriver is used to make the adjustment. Turn the adjusting screw down clockwise until resistance is felt, then back off the screw a quarter turn. While holding the adjusting screw with the screwdriver, the 5/8″ wrench secures the lock-nut."
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
From: Lake Texoma Oklahoma
My 79 was all over the road when I picked it up, scary. Tires only had 4000 miles on them but they were 14 years old. Put some Goodrich TA Radials in the original size as noted on drivers door, Bilstein HD shocks from shockwarehouse and did the steering box adjustment like F22 did and it is like driving a different car.