Loose Steering
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Pro
Joined: Apr 2001
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From: Waukesha WI
Loose Steering
Hoping someone can diagnose this problem...loose steering on my 73 even after TOTAL suspension rebuild. (springs, struts, all bushings, tierods&ends, shocks etc. all VBP products, from kit.) When I say "loose steering" I mean that the wheel seems too easy to turn especially at speed. There is no slack, any small turn of the wheel turns the car, but turning the wheel seems not stiff enough. Doesnt give me enough feed back. The power steering valve was replaced a couple of years ago. Best way I can discribe this is too much power steering. Is this just how they feel or is there someway to tighten this up? Ideas?
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
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From: Kansas City, MO ...I'd like to go fishing and catch a fishstick. That'd be convenient. - Mitch Hedberg
Re: Loose Steering (DollaGreen)
That doesn't sound like loose steering to me, it sounds like tight steering with too much power assist.
The quick fix would be to put a smaller steering wheel on the car.
The quick fix would be to put a smaller steering wheel on the car.
Crackin' on...
Joined: Jun 2003
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From: Somewhere in Tucson AZ
St. Jude Donor '09
Re: Loose Steering (DollaGreen)
When the front end was reassembled, were the outer tierods put into the hole in front or back on the spindle?? There's only about a couple inches of difference there, so they will both work, but one will feel "tighter" than the other.
If it's in front, the ratio will be like 21:1 and if in the rear will be a much nicer 16:1.
hth,
Paul
If it's in front, the ratio will be like 21:1 and if in the rear will be a much nicer 16:1.
hth,
Paul
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
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From: Connecticut, USA
Re: Loose Steering (DollaGreen)
A couple of thoughts: Did you replace the PS control valve? I believe the replacements and rebuilt valves have a lighter spring in them- 40# vs the original 55# springs. This would change the road feel you're talking about,what about the steering gear did you replace or rebuilt it? Usaully the hole in the steering knuckle is plugged at the factory on original equipment PS cars.
Gary
Gary
Instructor
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From: Tee Tops off all year FL
Re: Loose Steering (DollaGreen)
Check the Corvette FAQ site, there is a great writeup about the spring used in the power steering control valve. The new/rebuilt ones come with the higher spring rating, and as someone previously posted, you probably want the lighter spring. The article explains the different springs well. http://www.corvettefaq.com/
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: eastern NC
Re: Loose Steering (DollaGreen)
You mentoned a complete front end rebuild, but didn't mention replacing the idler arm, so I would first suggest checking that if you didn't. (I'm guessing you did since your steering isn't loose.) The standard idler arm that comes on GM cars isn't able to be greased, the heavy duty one (Moog & TRW have them) has a grease fitting, is really beefier and lasts much longer.
Experience has shown me the two biggest culprits in loose steering and most often overlooked are the idler arm and the rag joint.
I too rebuilt my front suspension using all polyurethane bushings. I used the VB kit and also put in a new power steering cylinder, control valve and lines. The steering was excellent, but in no way overboosted. The wife hated driving it. (Not really a bad thing!) Anyway a while later I noticed the steering box leaking and since I didn't have the time, sent it off to Van Steel. All I can say is wow!!! It came back looking better then new and all of a sudden it seemed I really did have power steering, but like you I've noticed it seems a bit overboosted. Wish I'd done it while I was autocrossing!
I still haven't told the wife however... ;)
GUSTO
Experience has shown me the two biggest culprits in loose steering and most often overlooked are the idler arm and the rag joint.
I too rebuilt my front suspension using all polyurethane bushings. I used the VB kit and also put in a new power steering cylinder, control valve and lines. The steering was excellent, but in no way overboosted. The wife hated driving it. (Not really a bad thing!) Anyway a while later I noticed the steering box leaking and since I didn't have the time, sent it off to Van Steel. All I can say is wow!!! It came back looking better then new and all of a sudden it seemed I really did have power steering, but like you I've noticed it seems a bit overboosted. Wish I'd done it while I was autocrossing!
I still haven't told the wife however... ;)
GUSTO
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Apr 2001
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From: Waukesha WI
Re: Loose Steering (GUSTO14)
Thanks for the info...to answer some questions and help clarify...I did replace the idler arm with the vbp "heavy duty" one. I am not sure which hole on the spindles was used...what would be like stock?...also I did nothing to the steering box or rag joint...it was my understanding that any problem with either of these would result in play where you turn the steering wheel and nothing happens...this is not the case...keep the ideas coming!
BTW The ideal steering feel to me is one like on my Dad's 86 where it feels like a big go cart...but you can still park without Popeye like forarms.
[Modified by DollaGreen, 9:24 PM 10/31/2003]
BTW The ideal steering feel to me is one like on my Dad's 86 where it feels like a big go cart...but you can still park without Popeye like forarms.
[Modified by DollaGreen, 9:24 PM 10/31/2003]
