Steering changes

[76okievette]

I am looking at my steering and have some thoughts. The car drives good but the steering has some play in it, not enought to really worry about, but not what you would think is right for a corvette.
So what do I do I think I have it down to two choices one get a new steering box and rag coupler, second go with the steeriods replacement system.
I have all new power steering parts so that is not a factor.
I am just not sure if the expense of the steeriods is worth it or not. How much improvement should I get from a new steering box? Comments suggestions welcome.

 

[Wayne robson]

steering

Hello Okievette,have you recently checked all your front end for stearing wear, jack the front up enough to enable another person under , get someone to turn your stingwheel with short left and right turns approx 4 to 6 inches, and check all inner and outer tie rode ends , steering idler arm wear,and relay rod wear, then my main reason for my reply is the steering control valve if this has never been rebuilt, the rebuild or new one is fairly easy, what happens is inside the control valve there is a ballstud, this is connected to the pitman arm, this wears and alloys excessive play, and is adjustable internally with springs ,and if the internal hard parts namely the sleve bearingand ball seats are worn these need replaced ,while under the car you can see the the amount of movement at this ball stud, should not be excesive, clean all around this area get a flash light and check the amount of play here, ive rebuilt my control valve and a friends and the differents in the steering is unbelievable like new again. if ever you get a rebuild kit make sure it has hard parts as well as seals, regards .

 

[JohnZ]

I am just not sure if the expense of the steeriods is worth it or not. How much improvement should I get from a new steering box? Comments suggestions welcome.

The Steeroids is a very complex and expensive solution to a very simple problem; assuming your tierod ends, ball joints, idler arm, and control valve are in good shape, your steering gear probably just needs a quality rebuild.

 

[76okievette]

Thanks to both replys. I have not had the steering control valve rebuilt or gotten a new one as far as I can tell its the orginal. All the tie rod's look good and I can't see a lot of play, I will keep checking it out. I will let you know but I am leaning torward a rebuilt control valve before the Steeroids. Thanks

 

[petes74ttop]

Try going to httpiki.corvettefaq.com and scroll down to Jim Shea Steering Articles there's lots of good info there. PG.

 

[petes74ttop]

That shoul say wiki, don't no how I got a smiley there, PG.

 

[6880 Mike]

You'll probably get better steering immediately by taking the lash out of the steering box. Cheap (free) and quick.

 

[76okievette]

Did that Mike but adjustment screw is pretty far down, I assume that means that a rebuild is in order?

 

[6880 Mike]

Did that Mike but adjustment screw is pretty far down, I assume that means that a rebuild is in order?

Yep. Sounds like rebuild time.

 

[76okievette]

Recommendations on do it your self rebuild or purchase a rebuilt unit? What level of skill do you need to rebuld this, my gargare is not like a shop not to many special tools. It cost about twice as much to get a quote "new" unit vs. a rebuilt one what are you thoughts on this?