Topic: Tracking Slightly to the Left
in Forum: C3 Handling Components
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Hi All,
I have a 69 corvette with power steering and it tracks slightly to the left and I have to compensate by turning the steering wheel slightly to the right to compensate in a straight line.
My power steering valve is leaking slightly from the adjustment bolt under the dust cap.
I am eventually going to replace the power steering valve, I have put in Prestone Power steering fluid with Stop leak which has slowed the leak significantly.
Is the power steering leak causing the steering tracking issues or is this more of a geometry issue (i.e. I need to get a wheel alignment)?
Thanks,
NJ
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Overland Park, KS - USA
Joined: 7/9/2003
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Vette(s): 1973 Orange Metallic Coupe (orig owner), L82, 4 spd (WR), PS, (A/C & PW (I installed from wrecked 73)), leather, AM/FM Stereo, ran with '65 FI unit earlier & will again some day.
2023 Accelerate Yellow HTC Stingray
The tracking error is more likely caused by an alignment issue than the power steering leak.
I would check to see that the power steering is properly centered before I did anything else.
1973 L-82 4 spd
Just to state the obvious -- low tire pressure on one side of the front can also cause it to pull to that side.
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Duncanville, TX - USA
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Alignment, tire pressures, dragging brakes, even bearing issues can cause drifting. The PS valve adjustment usually will not cause much of a pull to one side while driving, unless it it waaaay off. Start by verifying tire pressures first, and make sure all 4 tires have the same amount of wear on them, as best you can.
Raise the front end/tires off the ground, with the wheels straight, and start the car. Do NOT reach in between the spokes of the steering wheel to do this!! Sit in the car to start it, but do not hold the steering wheel. If the PS valve is off, it can whip the wheel to one side HARD, and will hurt you!
If the wheels move slowly to one side or the other, then the valve does need a minor adjustment. If they whip hard, then it needs a large adjustment. If they don't move at all, the valve is properly adjusted, and this is not causing your drift issue.
From there, it's alignment time. You will need to find a shop that is familiar with '63-'82 Corvette alignment procedures, and has the equipment to do it. Any alignment on these cars require front AND rear be done. Just setting the toe on the front ain't gunna cut it.
Joel Adams
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Overland Park, KS - USA
Joined: 7/9/2003
Posts: 914
Vette(s): 1973 Orange Metallic Coupe (orig owner), L82, 4 spd (WR), PS, (A/C & PW (I installed from wrecked 73)), leather, AM/FM Stereo, ran with '65 FI unit earlier & will again some day.
2023 Accelerate Yellow HTC Stingray
If the car has never had a rear alignment done, be prepared to replace the trailing arm bolt and shims (recommend getting a stainless steel kit) as they will not be usable due to rust. You also might want to check the strut rod attachments to make sure they are free and adjustable.
1973 L-82 4 spd
BillHanna said: Just to state the obvious -- low tire pressure on one side of the front can also cause it to pull to that side.
First thing I did was to check the tire pressures were correct and even
Adams' Apple said: Alignment, tire pressures, dragging brakes, even bearing issues can cause drifting. The PS valve adjustment usually will not cause much of a pull to one side while driving, unless it it waaaay off. Start by verifying tire pressures first, and make sure all 4 tires have the same amount of wear on them, as best you can.
Raise the front end/tires off the ground, with the wheels straight, and start the car. Do NOT reach in between the spokes of the steering wheel to do this!! Sit in the car to start it, but do not hold the steering wheel. If the PS valve is off, it can whip the wheel to one side HARD, and will hurt you!
If the wheels move slowly to one side or the other, then the valve does need a minor adjustment. If they whip hard, then it needs a large adjustment. If they don't move at all, the valve is properly adjusted, and this is not causing your drift issue.
From there, it's alignment time. You will need to find a shop that is familiar with '63-'82 Corvette alignment procedures, and has the equipment to do it. Any alignment on these cars require front AND rear be done. Just setting the toe on the front ain't gunna cut it.
PS valve seems ok despite the slight leak. Booked in for a 4 wheel alignment, they think might take a couple of hours depending on difficulties encountered especially on the rear
|UPDATED|8/1/2018 3:43:07 AM (AZT)|/UPDATED|
I was also checking the steering, is there supposed to be a specific orientation of the rag joint with respect to the input of the steering box? Does the above look correct with my steering wheel pointed straight?
(LARGE image modified to link-aapple)
|UPDATED|8/1/2018 4:15:29 AM (AZT)|/UPDATED|
Lifetime MemberEquinunk, PA - USA
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Vette(s): 1972 conv, 4-speed, 350, 200hp, numbers match, rally wheels, war bonnett yellow w/white top. good condition, nice driver.
connection looks good. There is only one way for it to go. If it isn't jerry rigged, which it doesn't appear to be, it is probably in good order. Trailing arms will play a big factor. Alignment will determine that, and reconcile problems.
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