tightening up the steering - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

70Custom10Nut · 11-15-2009, 08:38 AM

A few years ago I put power steering in my truck. At the time I put a small diameter steering wheel and was happy with the tension while turning. Recently I went back to a 16 inch wheel for the original look. The problem is that it takes no effort what so ever to turn the wheel. I was thinking I need to put a steering stabilizer on because of the tires I run. Any ideas out there? thanks, Cnut

Longhorn Man · 11-15-2009, 10:47 AM

the pressure bypass valve spring is probably worn/broken.
on the back of the pump, where the high pressure line goes in, if you were to remove the fitting you'll find a spring in there. Yours is probanly snapped

70Custom10Nut · 11-22-2009, 01:14 PM

Is this spring easy to get to? Will it come out when I loosen the line fitting? And last thing, will the larger nut on the pump come loose? thanks for the help, Cnut

**Stocker** · 11-22-2009, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 70Custom10Nut

I was thinking I need to put a steering stabilizer on because of the tires I run. Any ideas out there? thanks, Cnut

I've run with 'em and without 'em. I really think they are more of a bandaid than anything. If the front end is in good condition, I don't believe they are necessary.

.02

ebfabman · 11-22-2009, 03:23 PM

You may need to add some positive caster to your alignment. Make sure all steering/suspension components are not worn and in good shape. If you can not align it yourself find someone who will take the time to set it up right. I would suggest straight up (0 camber) on the drivers side and the same on the right side. For the caster go for as much positive caster as you can get. Approaching 4 degrees is good for straight line stability if you can get it. As for toe, only slightly in 1/16 in if you can get it. The alignment specs for manual steering will not be the same as power steering.

70Custom10Nut · 11-22-2009, 07:01 PM

Thanks efabman, that never occurred to me. I was planning to get it aligned anyway. While I'm at it I'm just going to replace all the steering components, because I'm sure most of them are the originals. Was holding off on replacing a bunch of stuff because I was planning on a Disc brake Conversion, but have since decided against it. Just don't drive her enough to justify the cost. Again Thanks, Cnut

Wideopenracing15 · 11-22-2009, 11:39 PM

I have a lit of slop in my steering at lower speeds buton the freeway it's tight. Why does that happen?

Wideopenracing15 · 11-22-2009, 11:40 PM

I have a lot of slop in my steering at lower speeds buton the freeway it's tight. Why does that happen?

11-15-2009, 08:38 AM	#1
70Custom10Nut Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Vilseck Germany (currently) Posts: 317	tightening up the steering A few years ago I put power steering in my truck. At the time I put a small diameter steering wheel and was happy with the tension while turning. Recently I went back to a 16 inch wheel for the original look. The problem is that it takes no effort what so ever to turn the wheel. I was thinking I need to put a steering stabilizer on because of the tires I run. Any ideas out there? thanks, Cnut

11-15-2009, 10:47 AM	#2
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Re: tightening up the steering the pressure bypass valve spring is probably worn/broken. on the back of the pump, where the high pressure line goes in, if you were to remove the fitting you'll find a spring in there. Yours is probanly snapped

11-22-2009, 01:14 PM	#3
70Custom10Nut Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Vilseck Germany (currently) Posts: 317	Re: tightening up the steering Is this spring easy to get to? Will it come out when I loosen the line fitting? And last thing, will the larger nut on the pump come loose? thanks for the help, Cnut

11-22-2009, 03:23 PM	#5
ebfabman Registered User Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Concord, NC Posts: 2,489	Re: tightening up the steering You may need to add some positive caster to your alignment. Make sure all steering/suspension components are not worn and in good shape. If you can not align it yourself find someone who will take the time to set it up right. I would suggest straight up (0 camber) on the drivers side and the same on the right side. For the caster go for as much positive caster as you can get. Approaching 4 degrees is good for straight line stability if you can get it. As for toe, only slightly in 1/16 in if you can get it. The alignment specs for manual steering will not be the same as power steering.

11-22-2009, 07:01 PM	#6
70Custom10Nut Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Vilseck Germany (currently) Posts: 317	Re: tightening up the steering Thanks efabman, that never occurred to me. I was planning to get it aligned anyway. While I'm at it I'm just going to replace all the steering components, because I'm sure most of them are the originals. Was holding off on replacing a bunch of stuff because I was planning on a Disc brake Conversion, but have since decided against it. Just don't drive her enough to justify the cost. Again Thanks, Cnut

11-22-2009, 11:39 PM	#7
Wideopenracing15 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Des Moines, IA Posts: 299	Re: tightening up the steering I have a lit of slop in my steering at lower speeds buton the freeway it's tight. Why does that happen?

11-22-2009, 11:40 PM	#8
Wideopenracing15 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Des Moines, IA Posts: 299	Re: tightening up the steering I have a lot of slop in my steering at lower speeds buton the freeway it's tight. Why does that happen?



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