it's not worth a life.
Steering issue
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 314
Likes: 20
From: Wareham, MA
Steering issue
My 1985 non Z51 has developed a steering problem. The car drives fine, could use an alignment but otherwise is pretty normal. At times over certain bumps the steering begins to vibrate and I need to use two hands to control until it stops, then it is fine again. This usually happens when I hit bumps at over 30MPH. There is a little give in the steering column but I am not sure if that is the issue or something in the suspension. There is no play with the front wheel bearings the rubber bushings are a little worn but see intact. The car has 139K miles.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 25,394
Likes: 2,741
My 1985 non Z51 has developed a steering problem. The car drives fine, could use an alignment but otherwise is pretty normal. At times over certain bumps the steering begins to vibrate and I need to use two hands to control until it stops, then it is fine again. This usually happens when I hit bumps at over 30MPH. There is a little give in the steering column but I am not sure if that is the issue or something in the suspension. There is no play with the front wheel bearings the rubber bushings are a little worn but see intact. The car has 139K miles.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 1,952
Likes: 239
From: Venice Cali.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 314
Likes: 20
From: Wareham, MA
Thanks for all of the great advice.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 25,394
Likes: 2,741
I believe this comprehensive check might save you money in the long run.
Asking for a front-end alignment isn't what you need.
Last edited by WVZR-1; Sep 25, 2015 at 09:01 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2015
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did you pick it up? If you take it in for a alignment they will point out what you need and then some!!!!!!! For free do the work yourself or get a firm grip on your ankles
Last edited by antfarmer2; Sep 25, 2015 at 09:26 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 25,394
Likes: 2,741
If MA "safety inspection requires a through inspection and report perhaps it might suffice but I'd think a "for hire" still best.
I don't know that the "grab your ankles" is justified.
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Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 21,543
Likes: 3,216
From: Park City Utah
Shocks.
I completely agree with WVZR-1 that it would be a good idea to have the front suspension checked by a "professional", but when I first got my car, it did what you're describing, slightly...it was due to the car having the original shocks @150k miles.
MA safety should most certainly include checking ball joints, tie rod ends, bearings, bushings, etc....but there are plenty who don't.
I completely agree with WVZR-1 that it would be a good idea to have the front suspension checked by a "professional", but when I first got my car, it did what you're describing, slightly...it was due to the car having the original shocks @150k miles.
MA safety should most certainly include checking ball joints, tie rod ends, bearings, bushings, etc....but there are plenty who don't.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2015
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The OP's original post appeared to be that of someone maybe les than experienced regarding suspension components and I don't know that anything less than a check by a "COMPETENT" shop/individual would satisfy his needs. Not knowing the MA "safety inspection" requirements I suggested a "for hire" inspection. I still maintain it's required and money "well spent".
If MA "safety inspection requires a through inspection and report perhaps it might suffice but I'd think a "for hire" still best.
I don't know that the "grab your ankles" is justified.
If MA "safety inspection requires a through inspection and report perhaps it might suffice but I'd think a "for hire" still best.
I don't know that the "grab your ankles" is justified.
30+ year building new cars and trucks at G.M. over 10 years on the frame line doing every job means every day I put together more than most will in a lifetime. .Any place that can evan do a C4 alingment right should be COMPETENT. As he takes it apart he will be able to inspect and replace most likley a complet front end rebuild.
And anytime you pay someone to work on a vette over doing it yourself you are going to pay. You could ask for a kiss first if it makes you feel better.
Last edited by antfarmer2; Sep 25, 2015 at 09:33 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 15,926
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I agree it need to be look at by someone that knows what thier doing alot of good shops that do alingment very few can do a c4 find one that has the shims and just don't do a toe and go. they will not be able to do it and will tell you why for no charge. then might offer to fix it. I agree that a inspection would be more in detail but will cost. that money could be used for parts. not here to insult anyone just trying to help.
Last edited by antfarmer2; Sep 25, 2015 at 01:04 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,082
Likes: 50
From: Palmdale CA
This sounds like you have a worn front end component (Some where) and when you hit the Bump this sets off a Resonant Frequency, this should be considered as very Dynamic and Dangerous, but not necessarily hard or expensive to fix. I'd have it looked at if your not sure what to do, or inspect..