steering wander Q
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 1,058
Likes: 108
From: Ohio
steering wander Q
hey everyone
I recently noticed more of a wander in straight line driving than I had noticed before. I did change power steering fluid and included some stop leak because I noticed moisture around this little pin in the middle of the shaft of the power steering.
Has anyone else experienced this wander condition? It just seems to take more effort to keep it straight than before - I did not now if it was a power steering issue or perhaps another suspension component?
any thoughts or insight would be greatly appreciated (was really starting to enjoy fall/almost winter drives).
thanks
Sean
I recently noticed more of a wander in straight line driving than I had noticed before. I did change power steering fluid and included some stop leak because I noticed moisture around this little pin in the middle of the shaft of the power steering.
Has anyone else experienced this wander condition? It just seems to take more effort to keep it straight than before - I did not now if it was a power steering issue or perhaps another suspension component?
any thoughts or insight would be greatly appreciated (was really starting to enjoy fall/almost winter drives).
thanks
Sean
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 25,385
Likes: 2,737
hey everyone
I recently noticed more of a wander in straight line driving than I had noticed before. I did change power steering fluid and included some stop leak because I noticed moisture around this little pin in the middle of the shaft of the power steering.
Has anyone else experienced this wander condition? It just seems to take more effort to keep it straight than before - I did not now if it was a power steering issue or perhaps another suspension component?
any thoughts or insight would be greatly appreciated (was really starting to enjoy fall/almost winter drives).
thanks
Sean
I recently noticed more of a wander in straight line driving than I had noticed before. I did change power steering fluid and included some stop leak because I noticed moisture around this little pin in the middle of the shaft of the power steering.
Has anyone else experienced this wander condition? It just seems to take more effort to keep it straight than before - I did not now if it was a power steering issue or perhaps another suspension component?
any thoughts or insight would be greatly appreciated (was really starting to enjoy fall/almost winter drives).
thanks
Sean
Did anything that you did create the issue? I'd say certainly not. Your choice of additive might be interesting. What was it? I'm not an additive promoter - GM Limited Slip would be an exception.
If you've not had a recent alignment and check of suspension components I'd say it's time. I'd pay particular attention to tie-rods and the outer ends. Maybe if a very early C4 you check the intermediate steering shaft.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 1,058
Likes: 108
From: Ohio
sorry - 1985 with about 65k miles
the additive was to try to buy a little more drive time if it was just a small leak - I have tried to follow stock type guidelines provided by the forum when ever possible. The additive was a Lucas stop leak for power steering. As of yesterday approx. 1 week after the fluid change and additive they leak seems to have gone - I am still watching. I did clean the immediate area with a degreaser to try to locate the leak specifically. After which the steering seemed to bind briefly if I turned to the right and jerk back to straight, but then after 1 or 2 times it went back to normal. If that helps at all.
thanks
Sean
the additive was to try to buy a little more drive time if it was just a small leak - I have tried to follow stock type guidelines provided by the forum when ever possible. The additive was a Lucas stop leak for power steering. As of yesterday approx. 1 week after the fluid change and additive they leak seems to have gone - I am still watching. I did clean the immediate area with a degreaser to try to locate the leak specifically. After which the steering seemed to bind briefly if I turned to the right and jerk back to straight, but then after 1 or 2 times it went back to normal. If that helps at all.
thanks
Sean
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2008
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From: Delta B.C. Canada
2023 C7 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
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What is the age of your tires? As they get old and hard, they will tend to wander more on a highway where there are ruts. Of course, this would not suddenly happen overnight.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 1,058
Likes: 108
From: Ohio
Tires are soft and decent tread - I am not exactly sure of the age. that feeling of ruts on the highway that you described is very much like the feel. It seems to move with almost every little change or undulation in the road. This is my first vet but not first sports car. So as it has become more noticeable, it felt like there might be a problem.
Intermediate shaft? - where and how involved is that? (it does not sound like a good thing)
thanks very much
Sean
Intermediate shaft? - where and how involved is that? (it does not sound like a good thing)
thanks very much
Sean
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 25,385
Likes: 2,737
You might mention tire brand, size, tire pressures and of course the age - that's the first check that's very easy for the owner that maybe isn't as intensive as the checks of components.
Date codes on older tires could be on the rear side-wall which complicates that. There's many references to tire date codes. I don't use Tire Rack frequently but many here do so I've posted a link for them.
Intermediate shaft - if you're not familiar with the mention of it and an experienced DIY'r it might be best to have it checked by someone familiar. '84 & '85 was assembled very differently from the later C4s. I understand it and could check it but I ain't going to debate the how to. I recall a thread many years ago where it was done maybe even with snapshots. If I stumble upon it I'll post the link.
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tirete...161110123408:s
Last edited by WVZR-1; Nov 10, 2016 at 04:17 PM.
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Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
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Intermediate shaft isn't what I'd consider an issue that renders the car "undriveable" - less than optimal? For sure!
A later C4 with a "rag-joint" that's failing certainly more dangerous - if it's failing at some point "it will".
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 3,953
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From: Mission Viejo CA
This cross-pin is a safety feature to prevent a loss of steering if the rubber lamination fails. The car is safe to drive, but should be repaired ASAP to maintain a predictable steering wheel position.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 1,058
Likes: 108
From: Ohio
thanks everyone
I will take it for a short drive this weekend to re check the steering wheel position but other than the feeling of moving with every undulation in the road - the turns seemed fine - holding a straight line seemed to be more of an issue - then again NE Ohio roads are not known for being even, flat or straight -
thanks for the photo Hot Rod Roy - I am going to take a look at mine to compare -
thanks
Sean
I will take it for a short drive this weekend to re check the steering wheel position but other than the feeling of moving with every undulation in the road - the turns seemed fine - holding a straight line seemed to be more of an issue - then again NE Ohio roads are not known for being even, flat or straight -
thanks for the photo Hot Rod Roy - I am going to take a look at mine to compare -
thanks
Sean
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 3,953
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From: Mission Viejo CA
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 1,058
Likes: 108
From: Ohio
Check the tire date codes - your comments as to "how it feels" is very much like what all of the early original purchasers f the C4 complained of. Tire pressure increase was a "suggestion" for all.
You might mention tire brand, size, tire pressures and of course the age - that's the first check that's very easy for the owner that maybe isn't as intensive as the checks of components.
Date codes on older tires could be on the rear side-wall which complicates that. There's many references to tire date codes. I don't use Tire Rack frequently but many here do so I've posted a link for them.
Intermediate shaft - if you're not familiar with the mention of it and an experienced DIY'r it might be best to have it checked by someone familiar. '84 & '85 was assembled very differently from the later C4s. I understand it and could check it but I ain't going to debate the how to. I recall a thread many years ago where it was done maybe even with snapshots. If I stumble upon it I'll post the link.
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tirete...161110123408:s
You might mention tire brand, size, tire pressures and of course the age - that's the first check that's very easy for the owner that maybe isn't as intensive as the checks of components.
Date codes on older tires could be on the rear side-wall which complicates that. There's many references to tire date codes. I don't use Tire Rack frequently but many here do so I've posted a link for them.
Intermediate shaft - if you're not familiar with the mention of it and an experienced DIY'r it might be best to have it checked by someone familiar. '84 & '85 was assembled very differently from the later C4s. I understand it and could check it but I ain't going to debate the how to. I recall a thread many years ago where it was done maybe even with snapshots. If I stumble upon it I'll post the link.
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tirete...161110123408:s
thanks for the link
if I am deciphering this correctly 13th week of 2011
also in my lack of knowledge and apparent draw to shiny things - did not realize the size of the wheel and tire combo. The tires are some brand "Nexen" radial n3000 275/35 zr 18 95y -
I thought I read that the standard size for the 1985 was more like a 16" wheel?
Sean
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Might try to flush the fluid and try a different brand without seal softeners.
Valvoline Synthetic used to be the best. I havent tried anything else.
Fluid can make a difference...
Valvoline Synthetic used to be the best. I havent tried anything else.
Fluid can make a difference...
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 1,058
Likes: 108
From: Ohio
so I finally got a short drive in - the wander or "vague steering" happens mostly on noticeably uneven or bumpy roads. I also noticed a slight vibration that seemed to come and go at will - I will try a highway drive later to see how speed related it is -
the steering wheel does return after turning. I tried to look for the coupler - does it have a cover of some kind on it?
and now thanks apparently to refreshing the fluid, the pump has developed a whine -
thanks
Sean
the steering wheel does return after turning. I tried to look for the coupler - does it have a cover of some kind on it?
and now thanks apparently to refreshing the fluid, the pump has developed a whine -
thanks
Sean
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 1,058
Likes: 108
From: Ohio
I also noticed while poking around that the shocks on this are some kind of sensatrac? does anyone know what these are ? if they are no good - could they be contributing to the problem?
Safety Car
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From: Mission Viejo CA