85 Steering Problem
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 442
Likes: 23
From: Seattle Washington
85 Steering Problem
I have a 85 Z51 that basically I can't drive on the Freeway. The car will follow cracks in the road, will wander right and/or left. The steering is so critical it only takes about an inch of steering wheel movement to change lanes. The other day I was driving at about 60mph in the right lane of a three lane Freeway and there was someone in the fast lane. He was about a half a car length ahead of me. We both decided to move to the center lane at the same time. By the time I saw what was happening I made a quick return to the right lane. But at that speed, and the critical steering, I over steered and then had to correct. Luckily the tires held and no accident.
I am told by my mechanics that the tie rod ends are good and there is no slop in the steering. The even tire wear gives me the impression this is not an alignment problem. Please give me your ideas as to what I can do to correct this problem.
Thanks,
JW
I am told by my mechanics that the tie rod ends are good and there is no slop in the steering. The even tire wear gives me the impression this is not an alignment problem. Please give me your ideas as to what I can do to correct this problem.
Thanks,
JW
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 3,953
Likes: 550
From: Mission Viejo CA
How long have you owned the car? Are you aware the Z51 has quick ratio steering? If this continues to be uncomfortable for you, swapping out your steering rack for the standard ratio rack might be a consideration.
What tire pressures are you running? Try boosting your pressures a bit to minimize that wandering problem. I find these wide tires are quite critical for stable performance. I like 36 front and 32 rear, but you might find another combination that suits you better. Nothing says the front and rear need to be the same!
What tire pressures are you running? Try boosting your pressures a bit to minimize that wandering problem. I find these wide tires are quite critical for stable performance. I like 36 front and 32 rear, but you might find another combination that suits you better. Nothing says the front and rear need to be the same!
Last edited by Hot Rod Roy; Mar 15, 2014 at 01:29 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 6,228
Likes: 698
From: Clifton Park, NY ............Clearwater, FL ... 85 Original Owner
I have a 85 Z51 that basically I can't drive on the Freeway. The car will follow cracks in the road, will wander right and/or left. The steering is so critical it only takes about an inch of steering wheel movement to change lanes. The other day I was driving at about 60mph in the right lane of a three lane Freeway and there was someone in the fast lane. He was about a half a car length ahead of me. We both decided to move to the center lane at the same time. By the time I saw what was happening I made a quick return to the right lane. But at that speed, and the critical steering, I over steered and then had to correct. Luckily the tires held and no accident.
I am told by my mechanics that the tie rod ends are good and there is no slop in the steering. The even tire wear gives me the impression this is not an alignment problem. Please give me your ideas as to what I can do to correct this problem.
Thanks,
JW
I am told by my mechanics that the tie rod ends are good and there is no slop in the steering. The even tire wear gives me the impression this is not an alignment problem. Please give me your ideas as to what I can do to correct this problem.
Thanks,
JW
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,107
Likes: 171
From: Dublin CA
The Z51 steering is a quick ratio as stated in the above post. This means that a small movement of the steering wheel rotates the wheels right or left at a much faster rate than standard steering. So if your used to years of driving with a vehicle with standard steering ratios, the Z51 will wake you up quickly especially at speed.
The other issue is tires. Because we run wide tires to be able to put power to the road, there is an inherent issue with a wide tire on a light car. The wide tire seeks grooves in the road. The first time I drove 205 around Portland it was like trying to steer a train off the railroad tracks. The grooves in the pavement from cars and trucks running studded tires were terrible. My 85 kept being sucked into the grooves like a slot car. I swear I could have taken my hands off the wheel and just let the car steer itself.
The other issue is tires. Because we run wide tires to be able to put power to the road, there is an inherent issue with a wide tire on a light car. The wide tire seeks grooves in the road. The first time I drove 205 around Portland it was like trying to steer a train off the railroad tracks. The grooves in the pavement from cars and trucks running studded tires were terrible. My 85 kept being sucked into the grooves like a slot car. I swear I could have taken my hands off the wheel and just let the car steer itself.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 442
Likes: 23
From: Seattle Washington
Thanks for the responses. I have owned this 85 for over 2 years and I am aware it is a Z51 and the close ratio steering ramifications. However, I feel the issues I am addressing are beyond the normal operation designed into Z51. Next week I am having new tires installed (255/50/16) and will have the alignment checked as well as the other steering components.
JW
JW
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 3,953
Likes: 550
From: Mission Viejo CA
That's a good point! I set my front caster at 5 deg. rather than the factory recommended 3 deg. That will give you improved directional stability and better self-centering of the steering wheel. I think later C4's call out for 5 deg. caster.
