Stiff ? Power steering - wheel doesn't return on 1969

[TWINRAY]

Just installed new tie rod ends (McQuay) with VBP HD sleeves, idler arm (Moog), remanuf P/S pump from Corvette Central and new P/S value (SS Brakes) and new P/S cylinder (Ecklers). Also put on HD strut rods from VBP. After the alignment, mechanic says that the steering wheel doesn't return after making turns and maybe I need to lube the steering box. Return home and shoot some lube into the box. Returned home yesterday from a 800 round trip. When the car was going straight it was like an arrow. Wheel centered and you could take your hands off it. But otherwise, when ever I turned the wheel, you had to make a correction to the other side. It got pretty nerve racking. It was like I was always moving the wheel. WTF goes

 

[clar2001]

I installed a new Idler arm from Ecklers the thing was so stiff the stearing woulden't return turned out it was a heavy dudy one ,went to the local auto store bought and replaced ,then the stearing returned to normal ,bummer was it sat around for a while so I coulden't return a $50 part

 

[TWINRAY]

Seems I've heard before of "stiff" Idler arms. I still have the old one so I'm able to re-install it and see if that is the problem. I'm also wondering if the power steering pump, while turning & appearing OK, maybe isn't pumping. I'm calling SS Brakes this AM and asking them if the PS control valve could be at fault & I'll call Ecklers about the PS cylinder and its function.

 

[Bob Chadwick]

Adjust your steering gear. If two tight it won't center when the wheel is released. The tighter it is the tighter your steering feels but the harder it is to get it to return to center.

 

[TWINRAY]

Just called SS Brakes Corporation about their Control value bought through Ecklers. After telling them about the work I did on the car, including the Idler arm and that maybe it's too stiff, they said the valve appears to be sticking & that I should return it to them for adjustment/repair. I asked him what exactly the value did and he said it's the "brains" of the steering- WETF that means:L


ps: Bob, what is the adjustment procedure on the steering gear, Thanks

 

[Bob Chadwick]

CorvetteFaq has detailed instructions on their web site under steering.

I have to be honest. My guy adjusted the nut on the steering box and sent me around the block. When the steering returned he declared it adjusted.

 

[TWINRAY]

Why didn't I run accross the faq website earlier:bash :L
Thanks Bob for making me aware of it:dance
Was your steering OK and it just went "stiff" or what - curious to know. I'm first going to adjust the box and hope it's that. I rather not disassemble what I have just have assembled. It's bad enough doing it once:bang

 

[Bob Chadwick]

I had the power steering ram replaced. The steering seemed sloppy and we played with it to tighten it up some. It still has the funny feel on center driving straight that is common to the recirculating ball type steering on these Vettes but it is better than it was.