steering question
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Sioux Falls SD
steering question
The steering on my 1988 is very stiff. I can also feel some of the bumps through the steering wheel. I am new to this forum and to my vette and I am not sure what the steering should feel like. Also, when I first start the car the very first turn of the wheel is very stiff. Someone told me that's a sign that the rack & pinion is bad. Is that true? If that is going bad is it unsafe to drive?
Thanks in advance for any help.
Wing
Thanks in advance for any help.
Wing
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 3,726
Likes: 368
From: Montoursville Pa
Re: steering question (wing)
Sounds to me like the classic case the original equipment aluminum housing wears out and the fileings go through the whole system! it probably won't quit on you right away but the longer you drive it like this the more likely the pump will be ruined (if it's not now) I'd get it checked by a good front end shop. BTW the rebuilt racks are sleved with a harder material and don't go bad like this (good one any way)
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 187
Likes: 0
From: Orange Park Fl
Re: steering question (wing)
Sounds like your steering rack might have a case of "morning sickness." Do you notice this only on a cold day the first time you start the car and turn the wheel? If so, you might need to rebuild or replace the steering rack. As for the steering feeling stiff, I would have to ask what are you caopmparing it to. The vette steering will feel stiffer (especially if you have the Z51 option) and has much more road feel than lets say a full size Cadillac.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 9,884
Likes: 3
From: Magnolia Mississippi
St. Jude '03-'04-'05-'06-'07
Re: steering question (wing)
sounds like morning sickness... try the "turkey baster" fluid removal and refill..
With the tool (turkey baster) suck out as much as you can, refill (synth if its your choice), cap it, and turn steering wheel Lf - Rt full turns about 10 times, then drain again, fill and do the same... then drive it for a couple of days, do the same,,, took me about 4 time doing this, but morning sickness gone.. feels stiff but nice...and smooth... could also try the ATF fluid in the ps
With the tool (turkey baster) suck out as much as you can, refill (synth if its your choice), cap it, and turn steering wheel Lf - Rt full turns about 10 times, then drain again, fill and do the same... then drive it for a couple of days, do the same,,, took me about 4 time doing this, but morning sickness gone.. feels stiff but nice...and smooth... could also try the ATF fluid in the ps
