Steering Darts
Thread Starter
7th Gear
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Cincinnati OH
Steering Darts
I replaced my power steering system, 
played with the valve and now made a problem for myself. When my steering wheel moves the distance from 12 0'clock to 2 O'clock or 10 O'clock it wants to dart off on its own. Suggestions on how to fix this?
played with the valve and now made a problem for myself. When my steering wheel moves the distance from 12 0'clock to 2 O'clock or 10 O'clock it wants to dart off on its own. Suggestions on how to fix this?
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 15,154
Likes: 3,959
From: Connecticut, USA
sounds like you need to balance it. follow the procdures in the Gm manual or go to the Jim Shea info on www.corvettefaq.com
DON'T put your hand through the steering wheel to start the car until it's balanced.
Gary
DON'T put your hand through the steering wheel to start the car until it's balanced.
Gary
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 3,997
Likes: 1
From: WAY DEEP INSIDE AMERICO,YES YOU LIVE HERE TO!! TX
Originally Posted by gtr1999
DON'T put your hand through the steering wheel to start the car until it's balanced.
Gary
Gary
How I will remember that wonderful day
Racer
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 392
Likes: 0
From: Iowa
When I replaced my power steering pump my car did the same thing but on the highway 
I turned the wheel full travel both ways several times and it cleared up. I guess the pump had to purge the air out of the system.
I turned the wheel full travel both ways several times and it cleared up. I guess the pump had to purge the air out of the system.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 620
Likes: 2
From: San Antonio TX
Originally Posted by gtr1999
sounds like you need to balance it. follow the procdures in the Gm manual or go to the Jim Shea info on www.corvettefaq.com
DON'T put your hand through the steering wheel to start the car until it's balanced.
Gary
DON'T put your hand through the steering wheel to start the car until it's balanced.
Gary
Ah, yes, I remember it fondly myself. The day my baby tried to eat me!!!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 112
From: Saginaw Michigan
Your steering can act very quirky if there is excessive air in the system and/or if the valve isn't balanced when you install it. I recommend that you first try and work the air out of the system before ever starting the engine. Manually work the steering system lock to lock a dozen or so times (it is much easier if you lift the front wheels off the ground). Replenish the fluid in the pump reservoir as needed.
Then, start the engine (making sure your arm is free of the steering wheel spokes). Work the system lock to lock a few times and check the fluid level again.
1). If the system is trying to self steer, this means that the valve isn't balanced. Lift the front end, disconnect the assist cylinder from the frame, and follow the valve balancing procedure. Reattach everything, check the fluid lever, and go for a short ride. When you come back, check the fluid level again.
2). If the system appears normal, check the fluid level, and go for a short ride. The car should have equal steering effort in both directions. The steering should be balanced in both directions. If you have concerns about valve balance, come back and balance the valve as described above.
Jim
Then, start the engine (making sure your arm is free of the steering wheel spokes). Work the system lock to lock a few times and check the fluid level again.
1). If the system is trying to self steer, this means that the valve isn't balanced. Lift the front end, disconnect the assist cylinder from the frame, and follow the valve balancing procedure. Reattach everything, check the fluid lever, and go for a short ride. When you come back, check the fluid level again.
2). If the system appears normal, check the fluid level, and go for a short ride. The car should have equal steering effort in both directions. The steering should be balanced in both directions. If you have concerns about valve balance, come back and balance the valve as described above.
Jim
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer