My 84 GSL has a problem, when steering to the right, after passing a certain point it will go toward the ditch real bad, I won't chance it, it would put you of the road. I'm not driving it for now. Turning left, it has no problems at all. I had a new idler arm and ball joints put in and yes I had a rear wheel drive before, a 1981 280 zx from 85 to 92. It steering was fine. I have no idea what the problem would be at all.

 

Have you done an wheel allignment? It is REQUIRED after the work you described is done. That should uncover the problem whether something is bad, the job was not done correctly, or it is just out of allignment. Different sized tires from side to side, a bad tire, or under inflated tire may also cause this as well.

 

I have new tires all the way around, have to get a wheel allignment first and go from there, it would'nt be anything in the steering box would it?

 

Im a little confused with how you described the problem. Are you talking "steering" as in changing lanes and it wants to drive into the ditch? Bad enough it pulls the wheel outta your hand? Or just a significant "tug"? Or are you talking like turning into a parking spot and after a certain point it feels like the wheels kinda "fall over"? My old 85 GSL did the whole "wheels falling over" feeling during low speed turning in either direction. Its was kinda weird. You would turn the wheel really hard, then it would get to a point where it got easy, then the wheel would turn itself all the way that direction, then it would be hard to starighten it out for a little while, then it would get easier as the wheels "stood up" again. Its hard to explain really. I never did look into what caused that, lol.

Anyway, can you give a more specific example of what youre feeling? I would also say to start with an alignment too, as that could very well solve your problems .

~T.J.

 

I was about to start a new thread on this, but decided to do a search first (am I a good guy or what ) , only to find the original posting to be exactly what I'm experiencing with my car. I've had that problem since I bought the car early last year. At some point got an alignment done and it seemed to improve though not totally handle it. Does anybody know what the cause for this is and how to remedy? this is the last of the situations to remedy on my '85 GSL, before I can start looking into aftermarket upgrades.

 

I never fixed the problem yet, biggarroadshow.

 

Ok. Anybody else has experienced the same? anybody knows what causes it and how to remedy??

 

I have a feeling its wheel bearings guys.


-Ryan

 

I'll check my wheel bearing when I get the car out at spring time.

 

I'll get mine checked out shortly and replaced if needed. Has anybody else experienced this? It's hard to believe that only 2 people in the forum have had this problem. In my case at least you do have to drive it somewhat hard to notice the problem, i.e. take a 50 mph curved ramp at 70 or something like that, but I'm sure others are lead foot drivers as well...

 

I'd have to check but I think it's only when I turn to the right. I'll have to check this spring, after you get it checked please post your fix.

 

The stuff you all are describing sounds like a caster issue, esp. the one that said it got real easy to turn after it got to a certain point. The reality is that the vehicle weight is what was making it easy and then hard. Caster is adjusted at the strut rod on these cars and worn or missing rubber bushings are common. If the strut rod bushings have been replaced or the adjustment nuts are not positioned properly it can cause the problems you are having but will not be obvious to the naked eye. The repair is simply getting the vehicle aligned. Poor caster settings can also cause steering wheel shimmy, and bad wandering on any thing other than a very smooth road. When you go to get it aligned try to get a good shop, it can be harder than you think, alot of tech's just set the toe. You should be able to get a print out from your alignment, it should have the parameters that the front end can be set at and the settings of your front end before and after the work has been done.
Good luck.
Rick.

 

Have them give you a print out BEFORE and after. That way you can see the change and know what they did or didn't do.

 

Well, got an alignment done, and as far as the problem is concerned, didn't do $hi7...

 

Usually when they do an alignment they look for any potential steering problems. Bad ball joint, tie rod etc. cdrad51, did you get a printout? What did they check/adjust? Some shops will only do toe on our cars, cause caster camber is a pita for them. Oh and I havent forgot about your emissions, just havent had time to study the system to give you a decent answer.

 

Would it have something to do with the steering box where the arm comes down for it. May the gears in that small box are stripped.

 

I saw the printout. They adjusted toe in, camber and caster. It was Pepboys, so they couldn't tell me anything useful when I went back there and said I'm still having steering problems after the alignment. They recommended I go to a shop that specializes in 7's

Got it on the emissions banana boy. I appreciate the help.

 

Whats the printout say? I think you need to get under the car and look for worn/loose components.