Steering wander problem, opinions needed - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**ScottH** · 04-18-2005, 02:21 PM

My 72 C20 has a steering wander issue that is really annoying.
I need to turn the wheel slightly to the right then slightly to the left, then repeat process in order to go straight down the road.

I checked the steering linkage and everything seems tight, replaced the idler arm and sway bar bushings. I also tried tighting the steering box but that seemed to make the problem worse.

Right now I'm thinking the box is worn but would appreciate any opinions, suggestions, or ideas to try before I replace the steering box.

Thanks.

Scott

shifty · 04-18-2005, 03:32 PM

Sounds like your box is worn out. Mine's in the same shape. Hope to upgrade to power soon.

Tim240Z · 04-18-2005, 03:34 PM

Have you had the front end aligned? Insufficient caster can cause wandering and instability. Also, a decent alignment tech will be able to diagnose any problems in the steering system.

dubie · 04-18-2005, 04:16 PM

does the steering wheel flop from side to side a bit when you ftap it? If so then your steering box is toast. They can be adjusted but I'm not exactly sure how

Sweet72 · 04-18-2005, 06:29 PM

Like said before get a front end alignment. It could be the "toe-in" isn't correct, worn tires and shocks can cause some weird s*&t too. Are you able to get much free-play left and right in the steering linkage? Your steering box may be fine if you have little or no play from steering wheel to the front wheels.

**VetteVet** · 04-18-2005, 06:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sweet72

Like said before get a front end alignment. It could be the "toe-in" isn't correct, worn tires and shocks can cause some weird s*&t too. Are you able to get much free-play left and right in the steering linkage? Your steering box may be fine if you have little or no play from steering wheel to the front wheels.

Around here most alignment shops won't check alignment on loose front ends until whatever is wrong gets fixed. Any good garage should be able to check the front end out and find the trouble. It sounds to me like worn tie rod ends or center link or a combination of the two. If someone turns the steering wheel back and forth while you look at the steering linksge you should be able to see excessive movement somewhere before the tires move.
VetteVet

zeeklu · 04-18-2005, 08:23 PM

Sounds like it could be a frozen ball joint. Chris

**ScottH** · 04-18-2005, 10:42 PM

Thanks to everyone, will have to look into a few things.

Hey Chris, just talking about u tonight - please pm me so we can square up on what I owe you!

Brainchild · 04-18-2005, 10:45 PM

While you're checking don't forget that ever expensive pitman arm.It is expensive,and most of the time doesn't get replaced.

Elsie72 · 04-19-2005, 12:28 AM

I just did a pitman and idler in mine, and the steering was very imprecise before, and tight and new-feeling after. I spent the extra bucks on Spicer parts, which may just outlast the rest of the truck.

04-18-2005, 02:21 PM	#1
ScottH Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Hampstead, NC Posts: 8,190	Steering wander problem, opinions needed My 72 C20 has a steering wander issue that is really annoying. I need to turn the wheel slightly to the right then slightly to the left, then repeat process in order to go straight down the road. I checked the steering linkage and everything seems tight, replaced the idler arm and sway bar bushings. I also tried tighting the steering box but that seemed to make the problem worse. Right now I'm thinking the box is worn but would appreciate any opinions, suggestions, or ideas to try before I replace the steering box. Thanks. Scott

04-18-2005, 03:32 PM	#2
shifty Questionable Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Atlanta Posts: 13,376	Sounds like your box is worn out. Mine's in the same shape. Hope to upgrade to power soon. __________________ If I've got anything up for grabs, it'll be here: 7-hole gauge cluster for a 67-72 p/u FREE (link) I can't check the forum daily. If I don't reply to you within 24 hours, drop me a PM! I'm (hopefully) still alive and will reply faster to a PM.

04-18-2005, 03:34 PM	#3
Tim240Z Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: LAX area, So Cal Posts: 499	Have you had the front end aligned? Insufficient caster can cause wandering and instability. Also, a decent alignment tech will be able to diagnose any problems in the steering system. __________________ 1972 Suburban C20 454/TH700R4, eaton-corporate 4.10 (looking for 3.7) Sold: 71 Cheyenne 20 Installed a 99 5.7L L31/4L60E from Suburban 1500 (2005)

04-18-2005, 04:16 PM	#4
dubie Registered User Join Date: May 2000 Location: Flin Flon, Manitoba, Canada Posts: 8,855	does the steering wheel flop from side to side a bit when you ftap it? If so then your steering box is toast. They can be adjusted but I'm not exactly sure how __________________ My name's Tim and I'm a truckaholic My 56 Chevy shop truck build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=562795

04-18-2005, 06:29 PM	#5
Sweet72 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Alexandria, VA Posts: 1,534	Like said before get a front end alignment. It could be the "toe-in" isn't correct, worn tires and shocks can cause some weird s*&t too. Are you able to get much free-play left and right in the steering linkage? Your steering box may be fine if you have little or no play from steering wheel to the front wheels. __________________ '72 GMC SWB C1500 Custom, frame-off in progress. 383 SBC, 9:1CR, Comp Cams XE262H, Scat internal balanced crank, Eagle SIR 6" rods, Keith Black dish pistons, Dart Iron Eagle 72/180 heads, Weiand Stealth intake, Stewart stage I water pump, Holley 4bbl vac sec, TH350 with B&M Shift Improver Kit. 12 bolt positraction.

04-18-2005, 08:23 PM	#7
zeeklu Registered User Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Northwest NJ Posts: 746	Sounds like it could be a frozen ball joint. Chris

04-18-2005, 10:42 PM	#8
ScottH Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Hampstead, NC Posts: 8,190	Thanks to everyone, will have to look into a few things. Hey Chris, just talking about u tonight - please pm me so we can square up on what I owe you!

04-18-2005, 10:45 PM	#9
Brainchild Still drivin' a Rat Rod Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Monett Missouri Posts: 4,925	While you're checking don't forget that ever expensive pitman arm.It is expensive,and most of the time doesn't get replaced. __________________ Rusty Member #13872 Instead of saying.....you are a discomfort in the back of my front.....one should be able to say...... you are a pain in the a$# 71 GMC LWB 49 Chevy 85 Chevy G20 Check out my website

04-19-2005, 12:28 AM	#10
Elsie72 Chinook Arch Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: High River, Alberta, Canada Posts: 218	I just did a pitman and idler in mine, and the steering was very imprecise before, and tight and new-feeling after. I spent the extra bucks on Spicer parts, which may just outlast the rest of the truck. __________________ 1972 GMC 1500 Custom - Bought used by Grandpa in '74, currently back on the road after a long hiatus. Elsie's truck 2.5" dual exhaust with Hooker Aero Chambers Holley 670 Street Avenger Edelbrock Performer RPM on GMPP 290HP 350 ECE drop 3.5/5

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