Topic: Re: Steering/Wandering while driving
in Forum: C3 Handling Components
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Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
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Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
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#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
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Well, hopefully, they actually did the rear alignment, and dint just say they did. 
Another idea....do we know if the new steering control valve is adjusted properly? Doesn't take much to make one wander if it's off. Raise the front end/tires off the ground, get the wheels pointed straight forward, and start the engine(do NOT reach thru the steering wheel to hit the key!). If the valve is adjusted right, the wheels/steering will not move AT ALL, in either direction. If the steering even looks like it's trying to move, the valve adjustment is off.
Does it wander regardless of what side of the road(left lane/right lane) he's on? The crown on the road can do that, too, depending on how much crown there is. Just another thought.
Another idea....do we know if the new steering control valve is adjusted properly? Doesn't take much to make one wander if it's off. Raise the front end/tires off the ground, get the wheels pointed straight forward, and start the engine(do NOT reach thru the steering wheel to hit the key!). If the valve is adjusted right, the wheels/steering will not move AT ALL, in either direction. If the steering even looks like it's trying to move, the valve adjustment is off.
Does it wander regardless of what side of the road(left lane/right lane) he's on? The crown on the road can do that, too, depending on how much crown there is. Just another thought.
Joel Adams
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Like Joel mentioned, did they actually spent the time to correctly set up the rear suspension? After I rebuilt my front and rear suspension I had 2 auto shops do the alignment over a course of a few years apart. The car always seemed "darty" to me.
But then I was turned onto a local guy that does a proper alignment on C3's. It took him a full 8 hrs to set up the car and it was $350 for the alignment. Sounds like a long time and a lot of money, but I'll tell you what...my car was a dream to drive after he was done. C3's are not easy to set up the rear suspensions properly.
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Sarge81 said: Like Joel mentioned, did they actually spent the time to correctly set up the rear suspension? After I rebuilt my front and rear suspension I had 2 auto shops do the alignment over a course of a few years apart. The car always seemed "darty" to me.
But then I was turned onto a local guy that does a proper alignment on C3's. It took him a full 8 hrs to set up the car and it was $350 for the alignment. Sounds like a long time and a lot of money, but I'll tell you what...my car was a dream to drive after he was done. C3's are not easy to set up the rear suspensions properly.
I will bring this information to my buddy. Hopefully a re-check of the PS control Valve with me and then off to a new alignment shop.
Thanks for all you input.
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Steve, if your buddy wanted to trek up here to the 'couv he could take it to Carl's Alignment and Brake on St John's Road. He did mine and it handles great. I know he did the back because when I picked it up he showed me how they had to shim the t-arms (and told me what a PITA it was 
). I take all my cars there for alignments now.
). I take all my cars there for alignments now. I've heard of alignment shops that don't know about the eccentric bolts on the strut rods and will actually bend the rods to get the camber correct. Probably want to stay away from those places.
1976 Silver/Firethorn. L48, 4spd. Original 2 bolt, vortec heads, 9.4:1 CR, Speed Pro Cam: 224/224@0.050, 112 LSA, Eagle Steel Crank.
daveo76 said: Steve, if your buddy wanted to trek up here to the 'couv he could take it to Carl's Alignment and Brake on St John's Road. He did mine and it handles great. I know he did the back because when I picked it up he showed me how they had to shim the t-arms (and told me what a PITA it was ). I take all my cars there for alignments now.
). I take all my cars there for alignments now. I've heard of alignment shops that don't know about the eccentric bolts on the strut rods and will actually bend the rods to get the camber correct. Probably want to stay away from those places.
Thanks for the info. I'll pass it along.
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DID HE REPLACE THE RAG JOINT? HAS HE TRIED TO ADJUST THE STEERING BOX? HAS HE CHECKED OUT THE COLUMN FOR ANY PLAY? MAYBE IN THE JOINT WHERE IT TILTS? I HAD THE SAME PROBLEM IN MY 72. REPLACED ALL THAT HE DID, PLUS RAG JOINT. WENT FROM 1-2 INCHES IN BOTH DIRECTIONS TO 1/2 TO 3/4 INCH TOTAL.
Another consideration is the highway he is on. Older asphalt highways with worn tire "grooves" are not flat. These will toss me around as the wide 255/60's are dancing in and out of the grooves.
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Vette(s): '73 L48 Coupe, 383, M20, A/C, Electric Windows. Matterhorn White Jet-Glo w/ Dark Blue interior. Rochester, Edelbrock, Blackjack Ceramics, Borlas w/ 2.5" mandrel X over, Cooper Cobras on both OEM Steel and Aluminum Wheels.
Steve,
I would start the problem solving attempt by raising the front end so both tires clear the ground. Then I'd grab each tire, first at the 3 and 9 o'clock position and rock back & forth, looking for play. It checks for loose bearings and worn Tie-rod components. Then rock the wheels at the 6 & 12 o'clock position, checking for Knuckle Ball Joint wear as well. He might find something worn.
My two cents.
Steve
johnu said: Another consideration is the highway he is on. Older asphalt highways with worn tire "grooves" are not flat. These will toss me around as the wide 255/60's are dancing in and out of the grooves.
Only you would have a Vette that dances!Dave
Lifetime Member #116
Dave's '82 
I had the same problem. The car was drifting a bit. I didn't realize how bad it was until I replaced the steering box. I was getting used to it and adjusting my driving without realizing it. I bought a rebuilt box from a small co. out of Texas, and it has been fine. Old tires will make your car drift also. I had some that looked great but were a few years old and caused a drift. When I put on new tires it was like a different car.
in Forum: C3 Handling Components
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