Loose Front End
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 322
Likes: 0
From: Liberty Township OH
Loose Front End
I think my front end is a little loose on my 96 LT4. Seems like the steering wheel can move a little before the wheels do when changing directions. It's not a whole lot, but more than I like. Should vettes have zero slop?
The car tracks strait, so I'm guessing that my ball joints, tie rods, etc. are OK & the rack is loose. Is there a way to tighten up the rack? How expensive is it to rebuild or replace?
The car tracks strait, so I'm guessing that my ball joints, tie rods, etc. are OK & the rack is loose. Is there a way to tighten up the rack? How expensive is it to rebuild or replace?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 3,388
Likes: 1
From: X
Re: Loose Front End (Polar LT4)
GM steering columns are notorious for becoming loose with time. There are three bolts inside the column that are the culprit. Click on the link below and see what I mean.
http://www.aros.net/~rbuck/column/tiltcol.html
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 322
Likes: 0
From: Liberty Township OH
Re: Loose Front End (JonM)
Thanks for the link! I checked the movement of the steering shaft in the engine bay & it was moving with the steering wheel, so I don't think it's the column. I'm going to have to drive another C4 to make sure it's not me, but I really don't think so. I guess after that check out the front end & make sure everything (ball joints, rod ends, etc.) are tight, & if they are, it must be the rack.
Anyone know of hos to tighten up a rack, or will I have to replace it? What does a rebuilt rack cost?
Anyone know of hos to tighten up a rack, or will I have to replace it? What does a rebuilt rack cost?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 969
Likes: 0
From: San Diego CA
Cruise-In III Veteran
Re: Loose Front End (Polar LT4)
Polar,
I have the same problem with my 96'. I live in Charleson, SC and the cobblestone roads (and road quality in general) is KILLING my suspension and steering. There is alot more play in the steering wheel now. Wrote a post on it a few months ago, and the general consensus was a worn out steering rack. I think they are priced around $250 for a rebuilt unit. If havent gotten very far in fixing the problem, so if you do...please let me know!
-Ross :chevy
I have the same problem with my 96'. I live in Charleson, SC and the cobblestone roads (and road quality in general) is KILLING my suspension and steering. There is alot more play in the steering wheel now. Wrote a post on it a few months ago, and the general consensus was a worn out steering rack. I think they are priced around $250 for a rebuilt unit. If havent gotten very far in fixing the problem, so if you do...please let me know!
-Ross :chevy
