Front end steering play...
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Pro
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 569
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From: Milford, CT
Front end steering play...
My 77 has new everything in the front... all new control arm bushings, sway bar bushings, new ball joints, tie rods and ends, PSCV, shocks, springs etc.... I balanced the PSCV and it works perfect. I replaced everything but the steering box itself which I felt I didn't need to replace because the car was very tight and had no steering issues before I took it apart to upgrade and update everything. I did an "by eye" week alignment just so I could get the steering wheel centered and so that I could drive the car to the local alignment shop.
What I notice is I have a decent amount of play in the front wheel. I would say at least an inch or 2 from left to right before the wheels respond. Could this be because my car desperately needs an alignment? I know its off because I did it by eye. Also.. I didn't tighten the collars on the inner and outer tie rod ends figuring the alignment shop will need to loosen them up anyway. Just wondering before I get it over to the shop. I want them to give it the once over and make sure everything looks good. I was told they are familiar with Corvettes because the owner has 3 of them.
What I notice is I have a decent amount of play in the front wheel. I would say at least an inch or 2 from left to right before the wheels respond. Could this be because my car desperately needs an alignment? I know its off because I did it by eye. Also.. I didn't tighten the collars on the inner and outer tie rod ends figuring the alignment shop will need to loosen them up anyway. Just wondering before I get it over to the shop. I want them to give it the once over and make sure everything looks good. I was told they are familiar with Corvettes because the owner has 3 of them.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2016
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From: Denver Colorado
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
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read this link concerning in the car adjustment and the proper amount of grease to use
http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/?p=810
http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/?p=810
Last edited by MelWff; Apr 18, 2016 at 11:44 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2002
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From: California
Pop off the pitman arm
First put a few marks on it for orientation to the steering rod, but then clamp on a soft jaw vise grip and twist the shaft on the box back and forth! Sure you can attempt to tighten the lash but I doubt it will work with as much free movement as you describe before you get any engagement! It would be best to plan on a steering box rebuild or replacement! Heck everything else is new!
Now if when turning the shaft with the grips in the orientation where you were experiencing the problem, and if you can't feel it in just the box with nothing connected to it, then I would be very surprised, then you would need God to help you at that point! Or you look at that Power Steering Joint next!
The last guy said also check that you don't have a rag joint all torn up failing!
Now if when turning the shaft with the grips in the orientation where you were experiencing the problem, and if you can't feel it in just the box with nothing connected to it, then I would be very surprised, then you would need God to help you at that point! Or you look at that Power Steering Joint next!
The last guy said also check that you don't have a rag joint all torn up failing!
Last edited by TCracingCA; Apr 19, 2016 at 01:53 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2011
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I would look at the joint to the PSCV. I would guess the joint is moving at the PSCV without the wheels moving.
Have someone move the steering wheel and check this joint. My guess you will see the steering move the joint and in moves side to side inside the PSCV. You can adjust the PSCV but you need to disassemble to make the adjustment.
Have someone move the steering wheel and check this joint. My guess you will see the steering move the joint and in moves side to side inside the PSCV. You can adjust the PSCV but you need to disassemble to make the adjustment.
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From: Crossville TN
I didn't see that you included the 'rag-joint' (flex coupling in the steering column shaft, just before steering box) nor the idler arm in your first post. Either will cause your problems. Excess lash in the steering box can also provide these symptoms. You need to check each of these out and replace (or adjust, in the case of the steering box) defective parts BEFORE getting an alignment done.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 569
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From: Milford, CT
I didn't see that you included the 'rag-joint' (flex coupling in the steering column shaft, just before steering box) nor the idler arm in your first post. Either will cause your problems. Excess lash in the steering box can also provide these symptoms. You need to check each of these out and replace (or adjust, in the case of the steering box) defective parts BEFORE getting an alignment done.
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From: Who says "Nothing is impossible" ? I've been doing nothing for years.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 569
Likes: 20
From: Milford, CT
I would look at the joint to the PSCV. I would guess the joint is moving at the PSCV without the wheels moving.
Have someone move the steering wheel and check this joint. My guess you will see the steering move the joint and in moves side to side inside the PSCV. You can adjust the PSCV but you need to disassemble to make the adjustment.
Have someone move the steering wheel and check this joint. My guess you will see the steering move the joint and in moves side to side inside the PSCV. You can adjust the PSCV but you need to disassemble to make the adjustment.
