1982 Chevy Corvette
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 278
Likes: 0
From: New Rochelle New York
1982 Chevy Corvette
Hello Everyone,
I have a 1982 Chevrolet Corvette. I do not know much about cars. I have 2 questions.
1) What material is the front nose constructed of?
2) If the steering gear box is changed, do I have do get the front wheels re-aligned?
Thank you for your time and effort!
I have a 1982 Chevrolet Corvette. I do not know much about cars. I have 2 questions.
1) What material is the front nose constructed of?
2) If the steering gear box is changed, do I have do get the front wheels re-aligned?
Thank you for your time and effort!
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 18,771
Likes: 2,596
1. The bumper is urethane and the rest of the nose on a 82 is made from a material called SMC, sheet molded composite.
2. Why is the box being changed? I can not think of a reason why that would effect alignment unless there is some additional information as to why it is being done.
2. Why is the box being changed? I can not think of a reason why that would effect alignment unless there is some additional information as to why it is being done.
Racer
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 483
Likes: 3
From: Pequannock NJ
Depending on why the box is replaced and what it's replaced with you may need an alignment. I just upgraded the leaky, old box and ram cylinder on my 80 for a Borgeson unit. In the instructions it recommends an alignment which I'll do as soon as my new tires are on.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 278
Likes: 0
From: New Rochelle New York
My steering box is leaking alittle and I noticed it is attached to the Pitman ArM
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 18,771
Likes: 2,596
their is no liquid in the box, only grease which being old has thinned out and is leaking. Unless there is internal damage to the box from lack of grease there is no need to replace it. There is a way of removing two cover bolts on the box and injecting fresh grease but any old compacted grease remains in the box. The other thing would be to remove the cover and try to clean out any old grease and than repack and adjust the box when the cover is reinstalled.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,704
Likes: 27
I don't think you need to get it aligned because of the steering box. It has an arm coming out (forget exactly what it's called) but it attaches to the tie rods that are each adjustable. Everything moves equally relative to that arm. But you might want to check the "slop" of the steering wheel. That is adjustable somewhere within the box I think.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,704
Likes: 27
their is no liquid in the box, only grease which being old has thinned out and is leaking. Unless there is internal damage to the box from lack of grease there is no need to replace it. There is a way of removing two cover bolts on the box and injecting fresh grease but any old compacted grease remains in the box. The other thing would be to remove the cover and try to clean out any old grease and than repack and adjust the box when the cover is reinstalled.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 2,156
Likes: 273
From: Dunedin NZ.
Sorry, can't help with the nose but the steering box yes. As mentioned above the boxes were packed with grease (not completely though, this is important). You can change the oil seal in the bottom for a more modern double lipped type to help keep the lube in but be aware that sometimes the shaft can get damaged where the seal touches it and even a new seal wont stop the leak. You will need a pitman arm puller and it may just be possible to change the seal in place.
Over time the lube in the box dries out especially because it is close to the exhaust, it is well worth making sure the box is lubed though to keep the internals in good condition. GM said the boxes were lubed for life but that was based on a life expectancy of 16 years for the car not 30 years and climbing.
Cant see any reason to need a wheel alinement if only the steering box is touched.
Over time the lube in the box dries out especially because it is close to the exhaust, it is well worth making sure the box is lubed though to keep the internals in good condition. GM said the boxes were lubed for life but that was based on a life expectancy of 16 years for the car not 30 years and climbing.
Cant see any reason to need a wheel alinement if only the steering box is touched.
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Heel & Toe
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: Denver Colorado
Hey Guys:
I have a question on this topic. I replaced the valve, ram and hoses. Now my steering wheel is a little off center to the left. Any fixes without draining the system and trying again?
Thanks!!
I have a question on this topic. I replaced the valve, ram and hoses. Now my steering wheel is a little off center to the left. Any fixes without draining the system and trying again?
Thanks!!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 7,462
Likes: 985
From: RI, Now Franklin/Nashville TN
Changing the steering box should not require an alignment...seems folks recommend an alignment every time something non alignment related to a front suspension change is done.....Hmmm
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 5,236
Likes: 898
From: Myrtle Beach SC
It could mean that you need to align it (steering mechanism) and not the wheels because you have lost pressure in the system and need to realign the steering linkage.
