1978 Corvette Steering Issues
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: Dec 2025
Posts: 8
Likes: 1
1978 Corvette Steering Issues
Hello All... i am new to this forum!
I need help with a 1978 Corvette.. most of the front end has been redone a few years ago.
But since i got the car back and i take it on the highway doing over 55 or so, the steering floats,,
and has a lot of play.. only at high speeds. around town it is fine.. it feels dangerous and need to
have it fixed.. i hear a a ot of the steering gear box and adjustments and rag joint ?
I am from North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
If anyone can recommend a good front end shop in Myrtle or North Myrtle Beach.. i would
greatly appreciate it.
Thanks Tim C
I need help with a 1978 Corvette.. most of the front end has been redone a few years ago.
But since i got the car back and i take it on the highway doing over 55 or so, the steering floats,,
and has a lot of play.. only at high speeds. around town it is fine.. it feels dangerous and need to
have it fixed.. i hear a a ot of the steering gear box and adjustments and rag joint ?
I am from North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
If anyone can recommend a good front end shop in Myrtle or North Myrtle Beach.. i would
greatly appreciate it.
Thanks Tim C
Last edited by TimC69@; Dec 14, 2025 at 09:11 PM.
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1967 Pedal Car Champion
Joined: Mar 2020
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From: US-PNW
I'd make sure the alignment is correct first. Do you have the specs on the last alignment done after the suspension work? Speaking of which, what components were replaced?
Inspect the rear trailing arm bushings and shims where they are captured in the frame. Pry each arm side to side with a crowbar to look for movement along the bolts. If these bushings are worn out or missing shims, the rear end will try to steer the car and make it feel very squirrelly.
Looking down at the rag joint and steering box, how much movement of the steering wheel before the pitman arm moves? Does the rag joint have any tears around the bolt holes or separation of the plies?
Inspect the rear trailing arm bushings and shims where they are captured in the frame. Pry each arm side to side with a crowbar to look for movement along the bolts. If these bushings are worn out or missing shims, the rear end will try to steer the car and make it feel very squirrelly.
Looking down at the rag joint and steering box, how much movement of the steering wheel before the pitman arm moves? Does the rag joint have any tears around the bolt holes or separation of the plies?
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: Dec 2025
Posts: 8
Likes: 1
Thank you so much Owen!!
I'm not capable of doing all that you outlined.. but will find someone to do
that.. in my area of south carolina, and check what you have listed!!
Thanks so much again for your feedback..
Tim C
Cheers!!~
I'm not capable of doing all that you outlined.. but will find someone to do
that.. in my area of south carolina, and check what you have listed!!
Thanks so much again for your feedback..
Tim C
Cheers!!~
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 5,223
Likes: 889
From: Myrtle Beach SC
Tim
I'm in Myrtle Beach and have used Hussey Motors over the years for my C3 needs. And they have a pretty good set of Corvette Mechanics. Ask for Mike and tell him I sent you. They are located at 501 and Oak Street.
I'm in Myrtle Beach and have used Hussey Motors over the years for my C3 needs. And they have a pretty good set of Corvette Mechanics. Ask for Mike and tell him I sent you. They are located at 501 and Oak Street.
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Check alignment
Check for loose ball joints, idler arm, pitman arm
Check for worn or ripped rag joint
Before you take a tool to the steering box. Look at the lash screw in the cover and see how many threads are over the jam nut. If none and there is play in the box you most likely need gears.
Check for loose ball joints, idler arm, pitman arm
Check for worn or ripped rag joint
Before you take a tool to the steering box. Look at the lash screw in the cover and see how many threads are over the jam nut. If none and there is play in the box you most likely need gears.
1967 Pedal Car Champion
Joined: Mar 2020
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From: US-PNW
Listen to GTR1999. He rebuilds these steering boxes for a living and has done scads of them. Also does rear differentials and trailing arms. Highly respected in the Corvette world.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 5,223
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From: Myrtle Beach SC
Yeah keep me posted, I'll run over there with you if the schedule is free.
Heel & Toe
Joined: Apr 2025
Posts: 18
Likes: 2
From: Clarksville
I've had similar dramas on my 76. I've just finished changing my ball joints & tie rod ends (did it myself with help from Google). As much as the steering is an antiquated design, there is a lot of great info here on the forum to help you find the problem and get it sorted to a pretty decently driving setup. Hope you get it sorted!
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: Dec 2025
Posts: 8
Likes: 1
I've had similar dramas on my 76. I've just finished changing my ball joints & tie rod ends (did it myself with help from Google). As much as the steering is an antiquated design, there is a lot of great info here on the forum to help you find the problem and get it sorted to a pretty decently driving setup. Hope you get it sorted!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 7,398
Likes: 941
From: Tennessee/Rhode Island
Listen to GTR1999!
Gary does custom rebuilds on the corvette steering boxes (and Transmissions/Rear Axles) for a living and is an EXPERT!
He rebuilt my 78 steering box 15 years ago and I was stunned at the amount of play that was eliminated after the rebuild by his work! Box is still perfect today..15 years later.
Gary does custom rebuilds on the corvette steering boxes (and Transmissions/Rear Axles) for a living and is an EXPERT!
He rebuilt my 78 steering box 15 years ago and I was stunned at the amount of play that was eliminated after the rebuild by his work! Box is still perfect today..15 years later.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 7,398
Likes: 941
From: Tennessee/Rhode Island
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: Dec 2025
Posts: 8
Likes: 1
Found the steering issue..
Hi to everyone that has replied to my thread..
Power Steering Value was the problem.. i saw it first hand while under the car on lift and someone was in the car turning back and forth and i saw the play on this part..
This causes the floating around and white knuckles on the highway.. I had it replaced and now is "nice" :-))
Thanks to all... Cheers, Tim C
Power Steering Value was the problem.. i saw it first hand while under the car on lift and someone was in the car turning back and forth and i saw the play on this part..
This causes the floating around and white knuckles on the highway.. I had it replaced and now is "nice" :-))
Thanks to all... Cheers, Tim C
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 7,608
Likes: 2,438
From: Indiana
Hi to everyone that has replied to my thread..
Power Steering Value was the problem.. i saw it first hand while under the car on lift and someone was in the car turning back and forth and i saw the play on this part..
This causes the floating around and white knuckles on the highway.. I had it replaced and now is "nice" :-))
Thanks to all... Cheers, Tim C
Power Steering Value was the problem.. i saw it first hand while under the car on lift and someone was in the car turning back and forth and i saw the play on this part..
This causes the floating around and white knuckles on the highway.. I had it replaced and now is "nice" :-))
Thanks to all... Cheers, Tim C