Topic: steering
in Forum: C3 Engines, Driveline and Handling
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Hey guys, I hope I am In the right section. Help me if you can? The steering on my 77 has a slight hesitation when I turn right or left. I have power steering and while I sit idling and turn the wheel it seems to have a little thump.
I just wanted some opinions before I call my mechanic. Thanks, GeneSPONSOR AD:: (Our Sponsors help support C3VR)
If you are hearing a thump, I suspect something is loose. Check all of the bolts and nuts on the linkages and hangers. It could also be bad tie rod ends, pitman arm or ball joints. Could even be a bad rag joint.
Scott
Lifetime MemberModerator
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20225
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
I agree wid Scott...sounds like you have something loose, or worn out. Check the idler arm, as they are the first things to wear. Also look at all of the bushings in the upper and lower control arms, as well as the bushing on the end of the steering ram, where it goes thru the bracket on the frame(driver's side).
It may help to have someone turn the wheel while you look, and try to zoom in on the "thump" as it happens.
It may help to have someone turn the wheel while you look, and try to zoom in on the "thump" as it happens.
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56 
My Link 
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"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
Lifetime MemberModerator
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20225
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
The frame can also crack around those three bolts...might need to look vewy carefully around them. It can also crack where the bracket for the p/s steering ram is bolted to the frame...I've welded several of those over the years.
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56
My Link
(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS
"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
ball stud and sleeve in steering valve maybe?
you can check the steering gearbox... you can hear/feel it when someone turns steeringwheel and listen or feel on pitmanarm if there is some play in gearbox
art-corvette
you can check the steering gearbox... you can hear/feel it when someone turns steeringwheel and listen or feel on pitmanarm if there is some play in gearbox
art-corvette
Yep, a slight adjustment to the steering box may be the answer. You will find a lock nut and stud on the top of the the box. Loosen the lock nut, turn the stud clockwise SLIGHTLY while checking the play into and out of the box. You can have the engine off. Turn the steering input shaft gently back and forth, with out the output shaft turning, and get rid of the freeplay, but dont tighten the adjustment. If you go too far you will create additional wear, and the steering won't return to center properly. Then tighten the lock nut.
The power steering valve is also a suspect. For this one, watch the pitman arm coming out of the steering box and operating the valve when the engine is running. There will be some play. Without it, the valve won't move, but the play should be VERY minimal. You might need a new valve assy.
I had the sterring box on my '79 taken apart and reassembled. This cured my "loose feel", but, I did not have any thump. The rebuild was not costly. I'm glad that I did it.
in Forum: C3 Engines, Driveline and Handling
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