My 74 handle extremely well on straight and curved roads at the speed limit or a little over, but when I go slow it feels like there is a lot of play in the steering. When I go very fast (over 85) the front end gets a little squirrely. Is this normal or do I need to look at the steering gear box?

I've been complaining about kinda the same thing Rick. Mine is like that all the time. Hard to steer when backing up, pulling into a parking slot. Makes a bit of a light whining noise. Already checked fluid, etc. Just not the steering box. Is there like a certain mileage when they start to go? It's a little scary not knowing what it is.

I don't know about the play when going slow, but I believe that aerodynamics is the cause for the front end to feel very light when your flying. I just read a book on the way down to Florida "Corvettes: America's Sports Car" and it mentioned that Duntov and the engineers always struggled with the front of the car wanting to lift up at high speeds.

|QUOTE|VTHokie77Vette said: I don't know about the play when going slow, but I believe that aerodynamics is the cause for the front end to feel very light when your flying. I just read a book on the way down to Florida "Corvettes: America's Sports Car" and it mentioned that Duntov and the engineers always struggled with the front of the car wanting to lift up at high speeds.|/QUOTE|

If anyone needs a steering gear box, my son has one for sale on e-bay. He also has an alternator, and some other parts for sale.

http://cgi6.ebay.com/ebaymotors/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewSellersOtherItems&userid=deberha2




|UPDATED|7/25/2002 10:12:44 PM|/UPDATED|

Rick, you might want to take a look at the rag joint for wear. have someone inside of the car,while running, turn the wheel and watch the joint. That might be your problem

Thanks, I did look at the rag joint. It does look a little worn, but not really bad. I will have to check it with the engine to see if there is excessive movement there. A question though, is there any adjustment in the steering gear box? I seen that there is an adjustment screw and locknut on top of the gearbox.

There is a adjustment on the steering box. Be carefull and make small adjustment only. If the top of the adjustment screw is even with the lock nut it might be time for new gears. I just replaced my rag joint. After looking it over when I took it off it didn't look bad. Thought i was wasting my time putting in a new one. After driving the car with the new joint much tighter steering and more responsive. Chuck

There's a procedure for making both of the steering box adjustments on the Corvette FAQ website. The adjustment "on top" is meant to be done second. A C3 with good front end components properly set-up is as steady as a rock at any speed I care to drive. Some of what you feel may be from the old style power steering. Modern cars use variable assist technology and you may not be old enough to remember what early power steering felt like at speed.

Rick,
There was another posting on steering heaviness and lightness. Do a search for it. If I remember correctly it address both the problems you mention. The lightness at speed is inherent. My big block gets light at high speeds.

I've had my car up to 130 on the race track here and then yes it does get a little squirrley, but not too bad.

At 90 it should be rock solid ( IF yo are on flat pavement, these cars do have a fair bit of trough wander tho, for which there is no cure )