havacamaro

iTrader: (1)

Having an issue with my car where when turned 3/4 or more lock, it feels like the front tires are locking up/pushing(no traction) and this is when pulling into or out of parking spots, driveway, etc. Just replaced all the steering parts, had it aligned, twice. Both alignment shops say the alignment is good so thats not the problem. Off the ground on jackstands and full lock the wheels are not binding against anything. Ideas?

gearhead141

You don't mention the wheel tire combination you are using. Checking the steering with the car on jackstands and the suspension fully extended is not a true test. The suspension needs to be loaded and wheels turned to full lock. Are there any telltale rub marks inside the fender wells? Are you using a wheel and tire combination that exceeds the factory limits. If so have you changed the offset. Perhaps someone else with more knowledge than I can chime in on this. I would recommend when this happens to stop the car, get out and take a look at what is happening. You may just find the smoking gun!

luvofjah

iTrader: (2)

I had some binding, but after replacing ball joints, and all the other steering components (from the tired used stuff), all was in good working order...

havacamaro

iTrader: (1)

I checked the binding when the front end was up on jack stands(arms compressed) and both wheels turn freely. Not exactly sure what the issue is. Maybe a bad strut tower, car is down for a new motor and trans so I'll address that issue when those are wrapped up.

JamesC

iTrader: (5)

Ideas? The following may prove interesting:

I found the following somewhere or other once upon a time:

Typically our cars don't like the above and they attempt to push forward as they turn--perhaps that's why the car seems to rise. Moreover, big tires added to the above often are responsible for tearing the steering box area (a Wonderbar will help to protect). At any rate, fairly normal at full lock, I think. Since you already have a Wonderbar, you're probably good; however, note the following from How to Tune and Modify your 1982-1998 Camaro by Jason Scott:

"The problem stems from high forces transmitted from the steering box to the chassis, especially under low-speed cornering, such as when maneuvering around a shopping mall parking lot. Fat performance tires present a great deal of resistance at low speeds, which imparts considerable stress into the steering system, and ultimately attempts to rip the steering box from its mounting surface--especially during "full-lock" turns, where steering torque is greatest. Over time, these forces weaken the chassis surface around the steering box and can result in torn metal.

"Whether the chassis is weakened or torn at the steering box, the result is the same--steering actions are delayed while the chassis flexes, leading to unresponsive and erratic steering. Ironically, though the damage stems from low-speed steering, the resulting problem is far more serious at high speeds than low ones.

"It is possible to repair the damaged area, though the best solution is to avoid the problem in the first place by installing a brace that reinforces the steering box mounting area."

At any rate, I try to avoid full lock.

JamesC