Steering "Float" waasuupppp?
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 5,548
Likes: 41
From: Conn.
St. Jude Donor '21
Steering "Float" waasuupppp?
I have manual steering, and have been putting this problem off long enough. Once going down the road, the front end seems to float a little back and forth. I did get a "cheapy" front alignment last year which seemed to help a little, I know a 4-wheel alignment should help more. But, do these steering boxes wear out? Should I be looking at an idler arm? It does have 4 new tires!
Thanks :cheers:
Thanks :cheers:
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 4,004
Likes: 2
From: Severna Park Md
Re: Steering "Float" waasuupppp? (SEE3ER)
Steering lash is adjustable. Theres a locknut and screw on top of the steering box. There is a procedure for adjusting it correctly. Too tight is not good. Also check tierod ends and all other suspension links for play. Have someone wiggle the steering wheel back and forth while you get under the front and check for slop. Also check to make sure the lower control arm bolts havnt come loose. Ive had to tighten mine more than once.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 971
Likes: 0
From: Rockwood TN
Re: Steering "Float" waasuupppp? (SEE3ER)
Have you checked the steering wheel for play? To do this get in the car, with it off turn the steering back and for noticing how far it will turn before you feel a slight resistance. If the movement seems excessive tighten the adjusting nut on top of the steering box and check it again but remember you should have a little play in the steering wheel if you don't then you've adjusted it to far in. also check to make sure it's got grease in it while your at it. I don't know if this is the manual way of doing it but it's worked for me. Hopefully this will help good luck.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 2,080
Likes: 0
From: Exiled Tampa Bay Misfit
Re: Steering "Float" waasuupppp? (SEE3ER)
Yep..
Check the steering box lash and the rag joint. If it's worn out you will feel a LOT of float.
Jim Shea has articles on both of these topics at http://www.corvettefaq.com
Check the steering box lash and the rag joint. If it's worn out you will feel a LOT of float.
Jim Shea has articles on both of these topics at http://www.corvettefaq.com
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 11,872
Likes: 12
From: Waterloo ontario Canada
Re: Steering "Float" waasuupppp? (SEE3ER)
The steering boxes certainly wear out. I had a problem so first I replaced everything, ball joints , 3 out or 4 tie rod ends, new idler arm, new rag joint and finally all bearings and seals in the steering box and still the problem was there. I once again tore the steering box down and found the pit arm bushings had .006 clearance and they should be tight or .001 or less. I machined 3 new bushings and honed them for a tight fit plus shimmed up the end play with a thicker washer.
Now it steers like a new car.
Now it steers like a new car.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 11,872
Likes: 12
From: Waterloo ontario Canada
Re: Steering "Float" waasuupppp? (norvalwilhelm)
Guys under the adjustment bolt is a washer that takes up the play in up and down movement of the pitman arm. Even this washer shows wear so even if you adjust the box with down force this play is not addressed so the pitman arm is still free to ride up and down. When rebuilding the box this problem needs a thicker washer to take up this play. Simple adjustment will not solve worn problems.
Pro
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 608
Likes: 0
Re: Steering "Float" waasuupppp? (SEE3ER)
I have power steering, but this sounds just like what I was experiencing the first month I owned my 'vette.
I took it to a "vette restoration" shop (bubba's shop- no less) and was told that the a-arm bushings were responsible, and that the relay rod was bent, the whole thing is old, valve leaks, etc. etc.
So, I believed him.... and $1500, and three weeks later I had a completly rebuilt front end. (I'd do it myself now...for the $$ and the pride)
Is there any truth to the possibility of those A-arm bushings causing the front end to be "darty"???
What about the alignment specs for the C3's in VB&P's catalog?? They say if the driver isn't comfortable with the "darty" feel to toe-in the alignment.
My problem got worse whenever I was driving on roads that peaked in the middle of the lane, under the motor, and had wear ruts where the tires ran.
I took it to a "vette restoration" shop (bubba's shop- no less) and was told that the a-arm bushings were responsible, and that the relay rod was bent, the whole thing is old, valve leaks, etc. etc.
So, I believed him.... and $1500, and three weeks later I had a completly rebuilt front end. (I'd do it myself now...for the $$ and the pride)
Is there any truth to the possibility of those A-arm bushings causing the front end to be "darty"???
What about the alignment specs for the C3's in VB&P's catalog?? They say if the driver isn't comfortable with the "darty" feel to toe-in the alignment.
My problem got worse whenever I was driving on roads that peaked in the middle of the lane, under the motor, and had wear ruts where the tires ran.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 6,273
Likes: 14
From: Austin TX
Re: Steering "Float" waasuupppp? (SEE3ER)
In addition to all the other good advice above, install a high quality idler arm. It made a HUGE difference in my front end.
See the archived Vette Improvement Program article on steering box adjustment.
See the archived Vette Improvement Program article on steering box adjustment.
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