C-1 Steering Dilemma

[Phil Fischer]

I rebuilt the entire steering box on my 61' with new parts, adjusted it according to GM instructions, and it still has about 2" of play in the steering wheel. At rest, the slightest movement of the steering wheel, results in movement of the front wheels, but while driving, the steering wheel has 2" of back-and-forth "play". The King Pins,tie rods,tie rod ends and lower control arm pivot bolts, are all new.
I was thinking that possibly installing a "quick steering" adapter, may take some of the "play" out of the front end ?
Any suggestions on correcting my problem, or my steering adapter theory?

Thanks Phil Fischer

[Mark S. Lovejoy]

Re: C-1 Steering Dilemma

Hi Phil,

Did you replace the third arm bearing? The slightest play in that bearing will exacerbate any play in the wheel.

Best from Connecticut............Mark

[Theodore K.]

Re: C-1 Steering Dilemma

I fought similar problems on my 57 after a steering box rebuild. I found the pitman arm had a tendance to move sideways before it moved back and forth. As I later found out I had the wrong pitman. To remove this sideplay, I had to use a special small cupped washer because my original nut and washer was bottoming out on the sectorshaft threads. Check yours out and if you need one I can email you a drawing and you can have one made. Also, I later found my steering got really loose again. This time it was the locknut on the bottom of the steering shaft adjustment had worked it way loose. Check that out and retighten if necessary. My current problem is lack of steering centering and seems to be from too long of a drag link. Loose steering is a real pain.
Ted