Steering issues/gear box
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 219
Likes: 0
From: Texas
Steering issues/gear box
I recently got my inner tie rods replaced,new swaybar/links. I went to get an alignment and was shown the play in my wheels from the power steering valve and was told to replace the gear box. I was looking up parts for the gear box and there are multiple types! How do I know which one to buy? Do I need to find the casting number? If so where is it located? Thanks in advance fellas!
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 18,665
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the power steering valve is not part of the steering box. Did they show you the play in the steering valve with the engine running, if not they are trying to sell you something. The steering box itself has an adjustment screw and locknut which would be the first thing to try before going for a new box.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 30,995
Likes: 98
From: Ontario
The stock box is pretty much the same over the years. I am not sure what you mean by "multiple types". I don't know if it has a casting number. As Mel said, you can try adjusting it but you have to be careful not to over-tighten.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 535
Likes: 8
From: London Ontario
As Paul and Mel have suggested, try adjusting the lash in the box first. The simple 2 tool adjustment (instructions can be found with a quick search) only takes a minute and can save you money. Mel is also correct that the PS control valve can't be checked without the engine running and fluid in the system; the valve has no resistance without fluid pressure.
In the shop's defense, I doubt many of the younger guys have ever seen our set-ups before!
In the shop's defense, I doubt many of the younger guys have ever seen our set-ups before!
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
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From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 219
Likes: 0
From: Texas
the power steering valve is not part of the steering box. Did they show you the play in the steering valve with the engine running, if not they are trying to sell you something. The steering box itself has an adjustment screw and locknut which would be the first thing to try before going for a new box.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 219
Likes: 0
From: Texas
What I meant by multiple types was me doing a Google search on gear boxes. You fellas tellin me that adjusting my steering box is gonna straighten my hard pull? Im down. I'll do a search and a Go Pro vid update.
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
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the hard pull to the left is when you are just driving in the center lane of a multi lane highway or when you step on the brakes?
Nobody here is telling you the hard pull has anything to do with the steering box because it doesnt. A incorrectly adjusted steering valve can cause a hard pull as well as the alignment requiring adjustment. If you have to explain to the mechanic you need a different shop that is familar with this generation of car. Contact a local Corvette club and find out who the members go to for work on their cars.
Read the last page of this link concerning sector shaft adjustment.
http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/?p=810
Nobody here is telling you the hard pull has anything to do with the steering box because it doesnt. A incorrectly adjusted steering valve can cause a hard pull as well as the alignment requiring adjustment. If you have to explain to the mechanic you need a different shop that is familar with this generation of car. Contact a local Corvette club and find out who the members go to for work on their cars.
Read the last page of this link concerning sector shaft adjustment.
http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/?p=810
Last edited by MelWff; Sep 4, 2014 at 04:40 PM.
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Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 30,995
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From: Ontario
I am going to back off at this point. The pic I showed was a blueprinted box done by Gary R. It has worked perfectly for three years now.
As to how adjust your box, Jim Shea has detailed instructions. I hope he chimes in.
As to how adjust your box, Jim Shea has detailed instructions. I hope he chimes in.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 7,442
Likes: 967
From: Tennessee/Rhode Island
I have the same by Gary-4 years now. His boxes are better than an OEM box due to his customization and blue printing of the box.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 30,995
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From: Ontario
.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
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From: Saginaw Michigan
Have you tried swapping front tires? If the pull reverses itself, you have bad tire(s).
There is an adjuster screw and lock nut on the top cover of the gear. Are there threads extending above the lock nut? If no threads are showing, your gear does not have any adjustment left. Then it should go to Gary.
Let's go on from here.
Jim
There is an adjuster screw and lock nut on the top cover of the gear. Are there threads extending above the lock nut? If no threads are showing, your gear does not have any adjustment left. Then it should go to Gary.
Let's go on from here.
Jim
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2001
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Then you can safely ignore anything these idiots might have said. All C3s with power steering have a large amount of free play in the steering wheel with the engine shut off.
The pull to the left has nothing to do with free play or a worn steering gearbox. Try balancing the control valve as a first step. It's an easy 5 minute job.
The pull to the left has nothing to do with free play or a worn steering gearbox. Try balancing the control valve as a first step. It's an easy 5 minute job.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 6,192
Likes: 750
From: near the thumb in the mitten
Power assist as it correctly called, IMO it was so bad it was designed to be easily removed from car forever. Control valve causes most if not all steering issues. Find shop that specializes in c2-c3 corvettes since they share so much.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 15,892
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Power assist as it correctly called, IMO it was so designed to be easily added to the car as it was originally an option. Control valve causes some steering issues. Find shop that specializes in c2-c3 corvettes since they share so much and so many garages don't have a clue.
I have all the original components on my 41 year old car, except the hoses. That's about 25 more years than the design life.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 219
Likes: 0
From: Texas
Then you can safely ignore anything these idiots might have said. All C3s with power steering have a large amount of free play in the steering wheel with the engine shut off.
The pull to the left has nothing to do with free play or a worn steering gearbox. Try balancing the control valve as a first step. It's an easy 5 minute job.
The pull to the left has nothing to do with free play or a worn steering gearbox. Try balancing the control valve as a first step. It's an easy 5 minute job.
I'm doing some reaserch first. Starting with this guy.