1st Generation Specific (1979-1985) 1979-1985 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections

Sloppy steering and wandering

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Old Jul 11, 2002 | 03:59 PM
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Sloppy steering and wandering

What parts need to be replaced to fix all the play in the steering and keep the car from wandering? I don't have power steering, by the way. TIA.
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Old Jul 11, 2002 | 04:07 PM
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Tie rods, have them chkd.
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Old Jul 11, 2002 | 04:10 PM
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Tie rods or tie rod ends? I've heard that replacing the ends helps, does it?
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Old Jul 11, 2002 | 04:19 PM
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Just have the entire rack chkd. The entire assy is inexpensive. It does help.

If you do not service them on a normal basis, you will get play. It is just normal wear and tear. I had an '80 and it does happen. It is really easy to replace.

Good luck
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Old Jul 11, 2002 | 04:27 PM
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The steering box is a recirculating ball type (as opposed to rack and pinion) In addition to being imprecise from the start they wear at center, meaning you get more slop while trying to keep your car going straight. Adjustments to take out this slop can cause excessive tightness in your steering as you approach the extremes of left or right turning.

Locally I was quoted $65 for tightening or $300 for replacement, all in Canadian dollars (that would be about $40 ad $200 respectively in Murrican Money) including all parts and labour.

I'm going for the new steering box & column.
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Old Jul 11, 2002 | 04:37 PM
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tightening yourself is not hard. on the 79-80 there is only one adjustment and it made a world of a difference. took me a min to do.
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Old Jul 11, 2002 | 05:26 PM
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i think direct freak knows whats up,when it comes to the steering box, and serviceing or rebuilding them.
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Old Jul 11, 2002 | 05:33 PM
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A big contributing factor to shitty steering can be a worn idler arm bushing. On US cars they get destroyed by the heat of the exhaust. Best to use urethane if replacing.
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Old Jul 11, 2002 | 06:00 PM
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Your steering box is most definitely part of the problem BUT do not try to adjust it without first making sure all the other components are in good shape. That means all tie-rod ends, ball-joints, the idler arm and the pitman arm. These all have to be in good shape without any loosness before attempting to adjust the box. Here is the best write-up I've seen yet on adjusting the steering box. Good luck!

Oh BTW, wandering can be caused by improper alignment, particulary toe-in.

Last edited by inittab; Jul 11, 2002 at 06:03 PM.
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Old Jul 11, 2002 | 06:30 PM
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Originally posted by REVHED
A big contributing factor to shitty steering can be a worn idler arm bushing. On US cars they get destroyed by the heat of the exhaust. Best to use urethane if replacing.
ditto, my passenger side bushing was non-existent. with all the clanking i thought i had a bad worn shock. gotta love donor cars.
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