C3 Loose Steering

[don justham]

The steering on my 1970 Corvette has a lot of play in it. What should I check for possible replacement? Thanks

[Terry M.]

Re: C3 Loose Steering *TL*

How many miles?
Generally (absent bent parts) the idler arm is the first piece to wear out, followed by the tie rod ends (all four of them). That assumes proper lubrication at proper intervals. Without that, add lower ball joints to the mix. Upper ball joints and steering box are last.
If you can find a competent professional, there is no substitute for a front end inspection. Beats long distance internet diagnosis all to heck.

[Patrick H.]

Re: C3 Loose Steering

I'd go for the steering box, as I find they wear as fast as anything (or faster). If you have that massive no-resistance dead spot in the center of your steering wheel travel, then that's it.

Otherwise, start looking at the other items Terry mentions.

Patrick

[Michael H.]

Re: C3 Loose Steering

A quick glance at the rag joint isn't a bad idea either.

[Jack H.]

Amen! *NM*

[Don E.]

Re: C3 Loose Steering

I remember I had owned the '67 about a week and drove it to work one day. I was on the second floor of the parking garage making a left hand turn to go to the third floor when the wheel spun free in my hands. The rag joint had completely separated and I had no control. Fortunately there was room to pull straight ahead and stop. Five minutes earlier and I would have been doing 65 on I25. Whenever I am looking at other cars now and the hood is up I can't help but look at the rag joint.

[Craig S.]

Re: C3 Loose Steering

Don - I agree with checking the rag joints, but I thought they had a safety pin arrangement to at least allow retention of steering to some degree in the event of failure....hmmm...better go look at my 67 again....Craig