Topic: Steering movement (play)
in Forum: C3 Engines, Driveline and Handling
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Lifetime MemberPoquoson, VA - USA
Joined: 11/20/2004
Posts: 1023
Vette(s): 73 Conv, Blue-Green/White Top - 454, M21 - Dark Saddle Leather, Power Windows, A/C, Tilt/Tele, AM/FM St. (orig. and sounds like it too).#2 -- 2007 Coupe,3 LT package, Z51 option, Victory Red, Ebony Int. Clear Top.
How much if any play at the steering wheel is acceptable in a '73?
Mine feels like it's excessive to me and about 1-2"
I have been use to rack and pinion for about 20 + years so it may just be in my mind.
During the State inspection last month no problems were found to be, so i assume there is none.
Mine feels like it's excessive to me and about 1-2"
I have been use to rack and pinion for about 20 + years so it may just be in my mind.
During the State inspection last month no problems were found to be, so i assume there is none.
Lifetime Member #86
USN 1966-1970
WestPac 67-68 Tet I&II
Featured in Corvette Enthusiast Aug 2007 "Shark Attack"
Blue Green *** 454,4 Spd, Dark Saddle Leather, A/C, AM-FM St. (orig), PW, Tilt -Tele Wheel"
(click to see a bigger image)
USN 1966-1970
WestPac 67-68 Tet I&II
Featured in Corvette Enthusiast Aug 2007 "Shark Attack"
Blue Green *** 454,4 Spd, Dark Saddle Leather, A/C, AM-FM St. (orig), PW, Tilt -Tele Wheel"
(click to see a bigger image)
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Yea it was a bit of a shock to me, being used to rack and pinion also. The recirculating ball steering type is known for the "float" at center. thats why the steeroids conversion is so popular. It converts the steering to rack and pinion to get the modern car feel.
1-2 inches is too much play. Something is wrong.
You may have too much play in the steering linkage causing play, worn tie rods etc.
The steering box may be worn or out of adjustment.
The power steering valve may be out of adjustment or malfunctioning.
Open the hood with the engine off. Turn the key to unlock the steering, if equipped. Grab the steering shaft from the wheel and turn it back and forth while watching the steering wheel movement, and the pitman arm coming out of the steering box. This does not take a lot of effort. Without the pitman arm moving, the steering wheeel should not move over about 1/2 inch. If it does the problem is in the steering box, worn or needs adjusted.
If all is good, continue to turn the shaft and watch the pitman arm to the steering valve. You can see play in this connection. If it's excessive you need to adjust and center the valve.
If the steering shaft moves, but the tires won't you have play somewhere in the linkage.
If all feels good, start the engine. If you now have too much play, adjust the steering valve.
You may have too much play in the steering linkage causing play, worn tie rods etc.
The steering box may be worn or out of adjustment.
The power steering valve may be out of adjustment or malfunctioning.
Open the hood with the engine off. Turn the key to unlock the steering, if equipped. Grab the steering shaft from the wheel and turn it back and forth while watching the steering wheel movement, and the pitman arm coming out of the steering box. This does not take a lot of effort. Without the pitman arm moving, the steering wheeel should not move over about 1/2 inch. If it does the problem is in the steering box, worn or needs adjusted.
If all is good, continue to turn the shaft and watch the pitman arm to the steering valve. You can see play in this connection. If it's excessive you need to adjust and center the valve.
If the steering shaft moves, but the tires won't you have play somewhere in the linkage.
If all feels good, start the engine. If you now have too much play, adjust the steering valve.
Lifetime MemberPoquoson, VA - USA
Joined: 11/20/2004
Posts: 1023
Vette(s): 73 Conv, Blue-Green/White Top - 454, M21 - Dark Saddle Leather, Power Windows, A/C, Tilt/Tele, AM/FM St. (orig. and sounds like it too).#2 -- 2007 Coupe,3 LT package, Z51 option, Victory Red, Ebony Int. Clear Top.
Thanks Ken.. I will try all that this weekend...
Ray
Ray
Lifetime Member #86
USN 1966-1970
WestPac 67-68 Tet I&II
Featured in Corvette Enthusiast Aug 2007 "Shark Attack"
Blue Green *** 454,4 Spd, Dark Saddle Leather, A/C, AM-FM St. (orig), PW, Tilt -Tele Wheel"
(click to see a bigger image)
USN 1966-1970
WestPac 67-68 Tet I&II
Featured in Corvette Enthusiast Aug 2007 "Shark Attack"
Blue Green *** 454,4 Spd, Dark Saddle Leather, A/C, AM-FM St. (orig), PW, Tilt -Tele Wheel"
(click to see a bigger image)
Also check the little rubber donut that is on the steering column shaft. Mine didn't look worn, but if I turned the shaft on the steering wheel side of the coupler, I could see the play. 
C3: 1979 Corvette Coupe, Auto, L-48, Red/Doeskin (my wife's fave);
C4s: 1986 C4 coupe (SCCA road race car), satin black, 4+3, Z51 package, L-98; & 1993 C4 coupe, white, 6-speed, LT-1.
Lifetime MemberPoquoson, VA - USA
Joined: 11/20/2004
Posts: 1023
Vette(s): 73 Conv, Blue-Green/White Top - 454, M21 - Dark Saddle Leather, Power Windows, A/C, Tilt/Tele, AM/FM St. (orig. and sounds like it too).#2 -- 2007 Coupe,3 LT package, Z51 option, Victory Red, Ebony Int. Clear Top.
Well I checked everything out and everything was tight... and even had a friend test drive who thought it was OK.... I think it is in my head.. not my hands... I think I have been away from this type steering too long. I have noticed as i get out more it feels more responsive... 
Lifetime Member #86
USN 1966-1970
WestPac 67-68 Tet I&II
Featured in Corvette Enthusiast Aug 2007 "Shark Attack"
Blue Green *** 454,4 Spd, Dark Saddle Leather, A/C, AM-FM St. (orig), PW, Tilt -Tele Wheel"
(click to see a bigger image)
USN 1966-1970
WestPac 67-68 Tet I&II
Featured in Corvette Enthusiast Aug 2007 "Shark Attack"
Blue Green *** 454,4 Spd, Dark Saddle Leather, A/C, AM-FM St. (orig), PW, Tilt -Tele Wheel"
(click to see a bigger image)
Rack and Pinion it's not. But in good condition they do a good job.
You may want to check the power steering valve adjustment. It can give you that feeling when there is not excessive play.
|UPDATED|1/22/2005 12:37:41 PM (AZT)|/UPDATED|
You may want to check the power steering valve adjustment. It can give you that feeling when there is not excessive play.
|UPDATED|1/22/2005 12:37:41 PM (AZT)|/UPDATED|
in Forum: C3 Engines, Driveline and Handling
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