Originally Posted by ONeill202

I agree. I will post the results of my alignment once I run back to the alignment shop and have them generate the paper work for me. I left the other day and they failed to provide me with the alignment numbers from the computer -- it's hard to find good customer service anymore.

I did, however, take it to another place that works on corvettes and the owner actually own a 70 vette. I had him take it for a drive and he agrees the problem seems to be in the steering box. I know for a fact the steering box is leaking, and I'm sure at some point it ran dry because I had to add a boatload of grease to fill it up.

So here's my next move...

I'm going to pull the steering box out something today and ship it to a guy that rebuilds these things (Gary, found him on digital corvette) and have him rebuild it. I'm sure it has never been touched so a good cleaning a rebuild might help.

More to come in the steering saga

Thanks, Al

Originally Posted by 7T1vette

The only reason for the steering wheel NOT returning to center position is that the steering box mechanism is binding....probably because someone has attempted to 'tighten' it up. Note where the slot in the adjustment screw is located, break the locknut loose, and turn the adjustment screw about 1/8 turn CCW; then lock the locknut back down (while retaining the position of the screw).

Test drive the car again to see if there is more "freedom" in the wheel. In any event, you shouldn't back that adjustment off more than 1/4 turn, unless everything else in the system is in good shape and someone who knows about the steering box is involved. But, that test will help you understand if the box has been 'tightened' or not. Then, you and whoever you choose to assist you, can decide the next course of action.

P.S. Lots of folks will come out of the woodwork to tell you that the stock C3 system is "flawed" and that you NEED to replace it with something else. I've driven C3's from shortly after they were put on the road until today, and there is NOTHING wrong with the basic design of the C3 steering or power steering system if it is in good condition....UNLESS you are trying to roadrace your car and be competitive with better vehicles. It will be a lot less expensive and easier to repair the system you have, than to re-engineer the steering system in your car.

Originally Posted by jb78L-82

Gary did my box a few years ago and it is better than it ever was brand new from the factory since he adds a few custom touches and hand adjusts. The best move you could do,,,,

Originally Posted by Jim Shea

I don't know if previous postings have covered this or not.

Look at the top cover on your steering gear. Are there any threads showing on the sector shaft adjuster screw where it sticks out of the lock nut?

If the top of the adjuster screw is flush to the lock nut, the gear has been "adjusted" in the past and there is no longer any adjustment available. It could also mean that someone over-adjusted the sector shaft in the past and it is binding (and has probably ruined the gearset inside the gear housing at the same time.)

There should be several threads on the adjuster screw visible.

Jim

Originally Posted by ONeill202

Did you have the gears replaced?

Thanks,

Al

Originally Posted by ONeill202

Well, the box has been completely rebuilt. Hopefully, this solves the problem.

Originally Posted by Rotonda

I chose to purchase new upper A-arms with a slightly different (more rearward) location of the ball-joint, restoring all of the adjustment lost ad your frame ages.

Originally Posted by ONeill202

Could you recommend a vendor that sells a upper A-arm with a different location of the ball joint?

Thanks, Al

Originally Posted by jb78L-82

Have you installed the box yet..? Looking for your thoughts on blueprinted box?