I am reassembling my steering system (power) and need advice on how 'tight' some of the various parts should normally be. My idler arm is a new 'heavy duty' arm from Vette Brakes that I bought several years ago and am just now installing. I noticed that it is REAL tight - both the arm and the stud. Is this normal? Does it loosen up with use? Also, for tie rod ends, how tight should they be? I kept my old ones since they seemed perfectly good and I am sure they are not original. The studs can be moved by hand with effort, but not freely. The system is now back together and I was surprised at how much resistant there is to turn the wheel even with the wheels off the ground. Advice?
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Re: What is 'normal' for steering components??
The Chassis Service Manual gives you insight on belt tension. Typically, it'll call out a target range a given belt can be deflected off-nominal at the center point between pulleys (usually in the .50-.75 inch range). Pro's who've developed experience, simply grab and deflect a given belt knowing what's right by manual feel.
Articulating steering joints (idle arm, Etc.) should be ROCK HARD to hand attempts to deflect and uniform in all directions of off-center travel.
On moving the wheels, remember Corvette does NOT have power steering! The system is one of power 'assisted' steering (hydraulics don't engage until the wheel moves more than 5-7 degrees). This was done intentionally to give a solid road feel during straight/true cruising. Plus, once a fresh system is installed you have to follow proceedures in the manual to set the over-center adjustment....
Last, if you've just redone the whole front end suspension, you need to take 'er out for a short cruise to bounce 'er around....
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