Steernig Issues
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Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 66
Likes: 4
From: Alvin, Texas
Steernig Issues
I have a 1973 with power steering. The problem I am having is that when I turn the steering wheel to the right, it is like having power steering without a power steering belt. Really, really hard to turn. Turning to the left is very easy and can be done with one hand. The car drives nice and straight when gonig down the road and does not pull either way when applying the brakes.
When I put the front end up on jack stands the steering turns very easy right and left whether the car is running or if I have the key turned to the accessory position.
Thinking it is the piston but could be hoses or the control valve itself.
Wondering if anyone has had this problem or if anyone has thoughts on what the problem could be before I start to change out parts one at a time to find out why steernig is so difficult only to the right.
As always, appreciate all input and expertise. Thank you.
When I put the front end up on jack stands the steering turns very easy right and left whether the car is running or if I have the key turned to the accessory position.
Thinking it is the piston but could be hoses or the control valve itself.
Wondering if anyone has had this problem or if anyone has thoughts on what the problem could be before I start to change out parts one at a time to find out why steernig is so difficult only to the right.
As always, appreciate all input and expertise. Thank you.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 943
Likes: 73
I have a 1973 with power steering. The problem I am having is that when I turn the steering wheel to the right, it is like having power steering without a power steering belt. Really, really hard to turn. Turning to the left is very easy and can be done with one hand. The car drives nice and straight when gonig down the road and does not pull either way when applying the brakes.
When I put the front end up on jack stands the steering turns very easy right and left whether the car is running or if I have the key turned to the accessory position.
Thinking it is the piston but could be hoses or the control valve itself.
Wondering if anyone has had this problem or if anyone has thoughts on what the problem could be before I start to change out parts one at a time to find out why steernig is so difficult only to the right.
As always, appreciate all input and expertise. Thank you.
When I put the front end up on jack stands the steering turns very easy right and left whether the car is running or if I have the key turned to the accessory position.
Thinking it is the piston but could be hoses or the control valve itself.
Wondering if anyone has had this problem or if anyone has thoughts on what the problem could be before I start to change out parts one at a time to find out why steernig is so difficult only to the right.
As always, appreciate all input and expertise. Thank you.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 1,018
Likes: 581
From: West Monroe Louisiana
2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Don't know if this is your problem or not, but you can check it out.
This happened on my 73 with a replacement cylinder. The cylinder
shaft broke inside the cylinder and would work in one direction but
not in the other. You can take the shaft loose from the mount on the
frame and turn the wheels in both directions and see if the cylinder is
working. Mine worked in the one direction and then shot out of the
cylinder in the other.
Just don't get in front of the cylinder when you check this out.
Donnie
This happened on my 73 with a replacement cylinder. The cylinder
shaft broke inside the cylinder and would work in one direction but
not in the other. You can take the shaft loose from the mount on the
frame and turn the wheels in both directions and see if the cylinder is
working. Mine worked in the one direction and then shot out of the
cylinder in the other.
Just don't get in front of the cylinder when you check this out.
Donnie
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Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 66
Likes: 4
From: Alvin, Texas
Thanks to all. Will try the easy procedure first and take the cylinder loose and see what happenes. Turned easy in both directions with the wheel off the ground. May try to adjust the nut first and take it for a ride. Thanks again, will report back once I find the fix. Hopnig its not the control valve. ��
Thread Starter
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Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 66
Likes: 4
From: Alvin, Texas
Had the day off with the kids so got the car up in the air and replaced the cylinder with one I took off my '78 a coulpe years ago when I replaced the cylinder as well as the control valve. Had a few small issues with getting things on and off but it did the trick. The old cylinder with about 24k miles on it fixed the problem. Now the cer turns left as well as right effortlessly. I will report back if any other issues come about but seems as though this took care of the turning problem. Thnaks to everyone who responded and I hope this helps someone else in the future.
