steering-C2-pretty sloppy

[John Pickens]

My 1965 327/350 roadster was purchased with an "add-on" power steering system-not sure of the brand, but seems to work fine. However, the steering has a fair amount of "slop" or play in the wheel at all speeds. No way to tell how the add-on system affects the play without removing it completely-obviously
not the preferred plan at this time. Have consulted the 65 shop manual update but can't tell exactly how to address the problem. Lots of older vehicles seem to handle this way, but I would appreciate input-anything to easily investigate
or adjust other than tires, alignment etc.? Never been in the steering box-looks original. Thanks.

[Bill Jackson]

Re: steering-C2-pretty sloppy

Have a helper move the steering wheel back and forth while you watch for movement. Once you find out where the slop is, you can fix it.

[Eric J.]

Check Rag joint

Check the Rag joint for wear. There are lots of posts in the Archives on this part. Start there. A worn one is unsafe! Eric #3,182

[Mike Barnard Sr No 36249]

Re: steering-C2-pretty sloppy

I would also check the rag joint. I had the same problem with my 65 coupe. I found the material torn on the bottom side. Put in a new unit and could not believe the difference in handling. You might also check your idler arm.

[Gerard F.]

Re: steering-C2-pretty sloppy

John,

Make sure that rods are connected to the front lugs at the wheels which are for power steering. I put add-on power steering on my 67 and had a shop do it when they put on new tires. They attached the rods to the rear lugs which are for manual steering. I experienced the same slop and play, and was actually all over the road at high speeds.

I then researched it over this forum, checked the shop manual, and had them attach the rods to the forward (closer ratio lugs) and recheck the wheel alignment. That tighten it up quite a bit. But watch out, it takes some getting used to, as the steering is very quick, especially with lane changes at high speed.

The forward lugs make the wheel turn faster although requires more force. This gives you a little more feel of the road at high speed.

Next thing to check would be the power steering valve centering spring. Original C2 valves used a 55# spring and have an X on the end cap. Newer valves have a lighter spring (+/-40#) and may have no marking or a C on the end cap.

I haven't checked mine, as the change in lug position solved my problem.
All of the information here is from previous threads in the archives. Great place to get info on a problem.

Jerry Fuccillo
#42179

[Randy R.]

Re: steering-C2-pretty sloppy

Your question brought back an old memory. Far into the foggy past, I got the bright idea to check the lube in the steering box on my 67 with manual steering. By mistake, I moved the lash adjustment screw on top of the box. For years, the critter wandered all over the road. Actually, I did not even know there was such a thing as a lash adjustment. I discovered this while reading the service manual one night. I went out and adjusted it by flashlight, took it for a drive and it has tracked properly ever since.