Merovign

Hey all, long time no post.

Anyway, finally getting back to my 86. It's a non-power rack and I have an odd problem where, sitting still or at very low speeds, it steers okay, or gentle steering at speed, but when putting a load on the suspension (harder turn) it's *extremely* hard to turn.

My first thought was the rack, but I haven't found anything. Later I thought maybe the front strut assembly or control arms (nothing obviously bad), but the last time I researched this a few years ago I found *nothing* but power steering issues and boats (also a quick search this time).

I can't really do the work myself because of a heart condition, and don't have enough money to have someone else dig in there more than once, so I'd like to nail it down before I have someone work on it.

So, does the symptom sound familiar? I actually have adjustable strut mounts ready to go, but I need new springs and I don't want to have that done and then find out it was something else.

Thanks,

- M

clokker

iTrader: (2)

It's unfortunate you can't do the work yourself because initially there's just a bunch of looking around and testing...it's not hard but it does take time, which a pro charges for.

Working with just your description, I'd first start with the steering itself.
Are the rack bushes good, if so, I'd put the front on stands and go full lock to lock with the steering wheel. If ginchy, loosen the two clamps and go lock>lock again...maybe the column u-joints bind at the extremes of travel. Tighten clamps, see if better.
Then start working out through the suspension.

This is a true manual rack right? Not a modded power unit?

Merovign

True manual. No apparent restriction resting, at a stop sign, turning gently at speed. I can't fully test it now but IIRC there was at least some relationship to how much force is on the suspension (either direction) and how hard it was to turn, i.e. the harder the turn, the harder the steering. Not linear, I don't think.

Originally it had light-as-a-feather steering. It did sit for some years before getting a new engine, and after that the problem started. The rack passed visual inspection at that point but I never managed to get under there and tweak things (would have been nice).

Thanks,

clokker

iTrader: (2)

Tire pressure?

Merovign

40psi.

I don't know if I've adequately described the situation. Easy when still or slight turns at speed (lane changes).

40 mph on a 30 mph turn? BOTH ARMS no joke. Like 20 times the force required. The first time it happened I thought something had locked up and I was going to crash.

That what led me to think suspension more than the rack itself, because of how much force is required when the suspension is under load.

Thanks,

clokker

iTrader: (2)

Alignment?

Aaron Cake

iTrader: (1)

It sounds like an alignment problem. Ridiculous toe?

There's less load on the rack at high speeds when turning, so if that load is being created, then alignment is the first suspect.

Merovign

Well, *visually* alignment is normal, but I probably need to get it off the ground and re-check the hardware. Or, rather, have someone do it. It doesn't wander or drift or anything. Will try to get that done later next week.

My brain is just having a hard time figuring out anything that could impart that much resistance *only* under those circumstances. Kind of hoping for someone, somewhere who has had this problem. Have not seen anything like it before.

Thanks again,