Help! 1980 Corvette Transmssion and other problems

[dwalc0604]

I recently purchased what was described as a "mechanically sound" 1980 Corvette. I have discovered some problems. First of all when the engine is at normal operating temperature and I either place the transmission in park or reverse and attempt to shift back into "3" the transmission doesn't immediately engage. I have to shift to park and then to "3", sometimes a few times before it will engage.

Second: When braking suddenly the car seems to pull to the left.

Lastly: There seems to be an unusual amount of play in the steering.

Any help or suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[bill81vette]

1st Welcome to CAC!!!
enjoy the forums...

as far as the tranny,I don't know,however..
brake grabbing is usually the opposite side isn't working..
steering...check the rag joint.as a 1st step.it is located between end of the steering column
and the steering box.if that's OK,the check your all your steering linkage under the vette.
any more questions don't hesitate to ask.
we will help you with what we can....

 

[GTR1999]

Check the shifter cable.

Brakes, pulling usually means the opposite caliper is leaking. Look for brake fluid on the inside of the tires. Check the MC for a low chamber. If the brakes need work you have to go over the whole system. If the fluid looks dark or muddy you probably have contamination in the fluid. The hose swell on the ID so if they are over 7-8 years old they should be replaced. The rotor runout should be under 005, preferably under 003". The bearing endplay should be under 003".

Play in the steering can be from a worn rag joint, worn box, loose suspension parts. The current rag joints sold are no where as good as the original GM/Saginaw joints and I'm being kind here. The rag should be flat and no sign of corrosion or tearing. The box should have no play in it when centered. The quality of rebuilt boxes on the market is terrible and had opened up the market for aftermarket steering because of what I have seen sold as rebuilt. I fix them all the time. I have a box in now that was "rebuilt" and is junk. It is off a 100k car as well.

It sounds like your car has some common wear items that were not addressed by the previous owner(s). They all can be corrected but do your homework first. 8082 vettes are not going to be high dollar sellers so if you get in too deep and decide to sell you might have a problem and neg balance. I have seen it happen a lot.

If I can help let me know.

 

[stevolwevol]

I replaced my rag joint, and now it handles like a sports car.

Sounds like your torque converter maybe the culprit causing the delay when you shift. If you know and TRUST a transmission specialist, get it diagnosed.

Just take on the bugs one at a time. The brake thing is the most important. I had a similar problem with my Camaro. I had it pull when I was going 70. It can cause an accident. If the rest if the car is in good condition, then you have a diamond in the rough.