Steering problem
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
Steering problem
I have a 84 vette and noticed that when the car is shut off and on the key is set to the on position, I can crank my steering wheel and it moves and the wheels does not. I think that something is stripped in the steering rod or something? What is that part called? My mechanic phoned around a few parts place and they say that its discontinued. He says that we can weld it. I dont want to really weld it. Let me know. thanks
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 56
Likes: 0
From: Saginaw Michigan
1st of all don't weld anything.
You say you can turn the steering wheel and the wheels don't turn. Depending on the year of car, you have slip shaft in the column that allows it to telescope, you have a joint where it tilts and you have two cardan joints at each end of the intermiate shaft that on most cars is a big slip shaft too.
Me an my car are separated by a few hundred miles right now, so I can't go look, but trust me; if the Intermediate shafts slip within them selves on a vette, it's there for crash protection. When you get in an accedent you want the steering column and I shafts to collapse. Otherwise, you have a big spear sticking you in the chest.
What happens when the engine is running?
You say you can turn the steering wheel and the wheels don't turn. Depending on the year of car, you have slip shaft in the column that allows it to telescope, you have a joint where it tilts and you have two cardan joints at each end of the intermiate shaft that on most cars is a big slip shaft too.
Me an my car are separated by a few hundred miles right now, so I can't go look, but trust me; if the Intermediate shafts slip within them selves on a vette, it's there for crash protection. When you get in an accedent you want the steering column and I shafts to collapse. Otherwise, you have a big spear sticking you in the chest.
What happens when the engine is running?
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
1st of all don't weld anything.
You say you can turn the steering wheel and the wheels don't turn. Depending on the year of car, you have slip shaft in the column that allows it to telescope, you have a joint where it tilts and you have two cardan joints at each end of the intermiate shaft that on most cars is a big slip shaft too.
Me an my car are separated by a few hundred miles right now, so I can't go look, but trust me; if the Intermediate shafts slip within them selves on a vette, it's there for crash protection. When you get in an accedent you want the steering column and I shafts to collapse. Otherwise, you have a big spear sticking you in the chest.
What happens when the engine is running?
You say you can turn the steering wheel and the wheels don't turn. Depending on the year of car, you have slip shaft in the column that allows it to telescope, you have a joint where it tilts and you have two cardan joints at each end of the intermiate shaft that on most cars is a big slip shaft too.
Me an my car are separated by a few hundred miles right now, so I can't go look, but trust me; if the Intermediate shafts slip within them selves on a vette, it's there for crash protection. When you get in an accedent you want the steering column and I shafts to collapse. Otherwise, you have a big spear sticking you in the chest.
What happens when the engine is running?
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 10,691
Likes: 71
From: Phoenix Arizona
Very common problem on 84 and 85's. the rubber in the coupler has deteriated. The only cure is to replace it with one from a later year (they fit). I have seen people weld it or shim the coupler. This will transmit a liitle more road feel, but doesn't hurt anything. Don't try replacing it with the same kind as you will soon be replacing that one!
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
Very common problem on 84 and 85's. the rubber in the coupler has deteriated. The only cure is to replace it with one from a later year (they fit). I have seen people weld it or shim the coupler. This will transmit a liitle more road feel, but doesn't hurt anything. Don't try replacing it with the same kind as you will soon be replacing that one!
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Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 10,691
Likes: 71
From: Phoenix Arizona
I'm not sure what year they changed, 86 or 87. If you cannot fix your part(by welding), you need to go to the new style. It's very expensive at the dealer, you might check a few yards if they have any used ones. I think I may have some. You replace the parts between the steering rack and the column (under the booster) as a unit.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
I'm not sure what year they changed, 86 or 87. If you cannot fix your part(by welding), you need to go to the new style. It's very expensive at the dealer, you might check a few yards if they have any used ones. I think I may have some. You replace the parts between the steering rack and the column (under the booster) as a unit.