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I'm trying to get the play out of my '68 power steering. I just removed the control valve to take a better look at the play between the steering wheel to pitman arm. All looks tight, except... The gearbox is tight when "on-center" (going straight), however, as I move further away (as in making a turn) I get more and more play. Is this normal? How much off center play to TOO much?
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Re: Steering Play
Chris,
I'm sure you'll get some great responses here. I'm going through the same questions on my 65 with manual steering. It is tight on center, then shows more than 1/8 inch play at the end of the pitman arm when off-center. On the road, the car displayed "twitchy" behavoir on long sweepers, when play was the worst. It would suddenly move sideways; pretty scarey - nearly hit a guardrail on the freeway. I am having the unit rebuilt; costs range from about $130 to $500 for a "blue printing" at Guldstrand Engineering.
Sounds like we're facing the same problem!
Jim -
Re: Steering Play
It is normal to have more play as you move away from center. You dont want it to be too tight as it passes over dead center or it will damage the worm gear. Often there is excess axial play in the gearbox. You have to take up the excess play in ball bearings at the lower end of the gearbox. There is a threaded ring that makes this adjustment. This is a little harder to do.
Also inspect all the linkage to make sure nothing else is worn excessively.
Good luck.Comment
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Re: Steering Play
Jim, If you are working on your steering I've read a great article in Corvette Fever (Nov. '98) It's worth reading on getting the play out of the steering. One thing that struck me. You mention, the the car handling bad on turns. If this corrolates with any bumps or quick steering corections, take a look at your rear suspension bushings. I think mine does the same thing you stated. I need to replace the strut bushings on mine.Comment
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Re: Steering Play
Ron, thanks for responding. I plan to use the Shop Manuals and set to specs. the gearbox lash as you discribed. From a Nov. '98 Corvette Fever article it appears there should be no play (back-lash) at center, which you confirmed for me. This make sense with most of the driving done striaght or just off-straight. Do you know what should be expected for play when off-center, the GM books do not mention this at all. I guess it is likely not a source of my steering wheel play I have been experiencing. I'm planning on going through each component until I reach the wheels.Comment
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Thanks, Chris!
...for both comments! I'll dig out the Corvette Fever article. I'm just finishing a COMPLETE mechanical rebuild on the car, including engine, rear end, cooling system, brakes and suspension, and indeed the rear suspension really needed attention. The twitchiness, however, would come on without any input on my part. Some of the problem was due to the radial tires that had the tread applied in an unusual bias pattern; switching to good Michelins seemed to help quite a bit - the old tires would quickly follow pavement ridges, etc, in behavior that I used to associate with bias PLY tires. Should be on the road in about 60 days (will fire up the engine this week), and I'll post a "lessons learned" on the board.
Best wishes on your steering problem.. I would really appreciate knowing what the culprit was when you get it figured out!
JimComment
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