Front left wheel play while in air
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 1,806
Likes: 258
From: Dublin Ohio
Front left wheel play while in air
I was going to change the front left tire and as I was checking to see if it was high enough to spin I noticed it could "turn" about an inch. Steering wheel is locked I'm sure so is there that much play in the wheel when in the air?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 1,806
Likes: 258
From: Dublin Ohio
Not personally.
I want to say that when I had the rolling chassis at a place near Dayton 14 years ago he said it was fine but I can't remember for sure.
What I can say is there is there is absolutely no play in the steering but i do think it leaks because the spot on the floor has thickened by the time I see it the next day.
I want to say that when I had the rolling chassis at a place near Dayton 14 years ago he said it was fine but I can't remember for sure.
What I can say is there is there is absolutely no play in the steering but i do think it leaks because the spot on the floor has thickened by the time I see it the next day.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 1,806
Likes: 258
From: Dublin Ohio
I now have about 45 degrees of steering wheel play when turning left. From center, turning right I get resistance. Turning left, not so much.
The steering box has been leaking so I'm going to replace it and see why else is going on.
Any chance the leaking steering box could have got fluid into the brakes?
Car now drifts left when braking and I read where fluid could cause it to grab more.
The steering box has been leaking so I'm going to replace it and see why else is going on.
Any chance the leaking steering box could have got fluid into the brakes?
Car now drifts left when braking and I read where fluid could cause it to grab more.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,469
Likes: 6
From: 68 427 4.11s Roadster
Does the right wheel move in conjunction with the left wheel when you move it? Was it also in the air when you did this?
You could by some wild chance have gotten PS fluid on the left brake.BUT this would cause the left brake NOT to grab. Pulling to the left by brake action would mean the right brake isn't functioning or the left is locking.
It's either your steering box or joint/s in the steering. (it could be both)
You could by some wild chance have gotten PS fluid on the left brake.BUT this would cause the left brake NOT to grab. Pulling to the left by brake action would mean the right brake isn't functioning or the left is locking.
It's either your steering box or joint/s in the steering. (it could be both)
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
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I now have about 45 degrees of steering wheel play when turning left. From center, turning right I get resistance. Turning left, not so much.
The steering box has been leaking so I'm going to replace it and see why else is going on.
Any chance the leaking steering box could have got fluid into the brakes?
Car now drifts left when braking and I read where fluid could cause it to grab more.
The steering box has been leaking so I'm going to replace it and see why else is going on.
Any chance the leaking steering box could have got fluid into the brakes?
Car now drifts left when braking and I read where fluid could cause it to grab more.
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Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Crossville TN
You don't need to replace the entire steering box because of a leaking seal. If the seal is all that is wrong, just change the seal. Do a valid diagnostic for determining what components need adjustment/repair/replacement. Find some experiences help, if you need. Local Corvette clubs might suggest someone who could come and help assess the car's condition.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 1,806
Likes: 258
From: Dublin Ohio
Originally Posted by STVDave
Does the right wheel move in conjunction with the left wheel when you move it? Was it also in the air when you did this?
You could by some wild chance have gotten PS fluid on the left brake.BUT this would cause the left brake NOT to grab. Pulling to the left by brake action would mean the right brake isn't functioning or the left is locking.
It's either your steering box or joint/s in the steering. (it could be both)
You could by some wild chance have gotten PS fluid on the left brake.BUT this would cause the left brake NOT to grab. Pulling to the left by brake action would mean the right brake isn't functioning or the left is locking.
It's either your steering box or joint/s in the steering. (it could be both)
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 1,806
Likes: 258
From: Dublin Ohio
Originally Posted by MelWff
the steering box has no liquid in it normally. What you are seeing is old grease decomposing. You can try greasing the box by injecting fresh grease into the lower hole of the top cover until the grease comes out the inner side cover hole. With the steering wheel straight and the flat section above the rag joint facing up you can then adjust play in the box by loosening the nut on the center of the cover and turning the center adjustment screw until you feel resistance, do not overtigthen. Then hold the screw while retightening the nut.
It had no free play up until a week ago.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 1,806
Likes: 258
From: Dublin Ohio
Originally Posted by 7T1vette
You don't need to replace the entire steering box because of a leaking seal. If the seal is all that is wrong, just change the seal. Do a valid diagnostic for determining what components need adjustment/repair/replacement. Find some experiences help, if you need. Local Corvette clubs might suggest someone who could come and help assess the car's condition.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,469
Likes: 6
From: 68 427 4.11s Roadster
I think this should tell you that it ain't the box. Your box could also be bad but with the right tire fixed, pinned to the ground, would not let the left tire move even with the box shot. The two wheels are physically tied together through the linkage. What one does the other has to do.If one is on the ground and can't swivel then the other also cannot swivel- move.
The slop in the left tire has to be the left tire. Ball joints, Maybe A arm bushings
It seems to me if it was anything else the right tire would also wiggle with the left tire on the ground. (center link. tie rod ends, idler, Pittman arm)
Car now drifts left when braking and I read where fluid could cause it to grab more.
This also seems to indicate the left wheel as the problem. You apply the brakes, the wheel swings on whatever the loose component is and steers the car to the left.
The slop in the left tire has to be the left tire. Ball joints, Maybe A arm bushings
It seems to me if it was anything else the right tire would also wiggle with the left tire on the ground. (center link. tie rod ends, idler, Pittman arm)
Car now drifts left when braking and I read where fluid could cause it to grab more.
This also seems to indicate the left wheel as the problem. You apply the brakes, the wheel swings on whatever the loose component is and steers the car to the left.
1967 Pedal Car Champion
Joined: Mar 2020
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From: US-PNW
Did you check all the linkages for slop? I'm wondering if you don't have bad tie-rod ends or other steering joint looseness. I'd certainly check that before changing out the steering box.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 1,806
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From: Dublin Ohio
I'll take the wheel off later and see how far down the line the movement goes.
Took it out today and i now hear a little clunk when I first turn the wheel to leave the driveway but no more after that.
But I've wanted to get that steering box out of there for a while. This car can steer itself in a circle. No return at all. Maybe that's what's its supposed to do but it's coming out either way because it's the only thing on the car I can think of that hasn't been gone through.
Took it out today and i now hear a little clunk when I first turn the wheel to leave the driveway but no more after that.
But I've wanted to get that steering box out of there for a while. This car can steer itself in a circle. No return at all. Maybe that's what's its supposed to do but it's coming out either way because it's the only thing on the car I can think of that hasn't been gone through.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,469
Likes: 6
From: 68 427 4.11s Roadster
The steering going back to straight from a turn is caster. Its part of the front end alignment. Its just like the caster wheels on a shopping cart. Your box don't do that. I would suggest not changing the box unless there was need to simply because these cars need an awful lot changed on them normally. My manual box has never been changed and is still fine. Don't tell your mechanic what is causing the problem, let him find the problem. Tell him your concerns but don't tell him you want him to sell you a box you don't need. Let him find the fault and suggest the fix.
I feel that something is broken on your front end and highly suggest you stop driving it until you find out. I'm willing to stretch my neck out and state that your front end hasn't been rebuilt, If thats true then this item is much more important than the steering box.
You say because it's the only thing on the car I can think of that hasn't been gone through
Even if you had the front end checked sometime in the past this isn't the same as being replaced. It could have broken since it was checked.
I feel that something is broken on your front end and highly suggest you stop driving it until you find out. I'm willing to stretch my neck out and state that your front end hasn't been rebuilt, If thats true then this item is much more important than the steering box.
You say because it's the only thing on the car I can think of that hasn't been gone through
Even if you had the front end checked sometime in the past this isn't the same as being replaced. It could have broken since it was checked.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 1,806
Likes: 258
From: Dublin Ohio
Someone forgot a cotter pin in what I guess you would call the tie rod end castle nut.
How bad would it have been if this came off?
Because it was hanging on by a thread- literally.
Tightened it up and put a cotter pin in it. No play.
How bad would it have been if this came off?
Because it was hanging on by a thread- literally.
Tightened it up and put a cotter pin in it. No play.
Le Mans Master
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