I have a 92 camaro rs that came from the factory with 16 inch wheels and i think quick ratio steering box. The steering on my car is kinda loose, like i can turn it side to side about an inch or 2 and it will just keep going straight, is there any way to tighten up the steering? Also, the steering is off. I have to drive with the steering wheel turned to the left to get it to go straight, i know its not out of alignment because i just had it aligned. What can I do about that, or did i just get a crappy alignment? Thanks

 

well..your second problem is the alignment.....for sure..now your first problem is exactly what i have..doesnt turn for crap cant make u-turns..im doing a full suspension, so it should work..if your just looking for steering, id recommend a new front end kit,wonderbar,and upper strut mount package..you might not need everything..but it would sure help your turning radius..sorry if i couldnt answer ur qtn

 

so i have to have a front end rebuild to fix the loose steering? I can still make u turns and the turning radius seems fine, but the steering wheels is a little loose. I thought it could possibly be the steering box, but the front end rebuild is what it is most likely? thanks

 

It is very very possible that your steering box has worn out. I know mine has. Do this, in a well lit area, open your hood and turn the car on. Now go stand on the driverside with your door open and move the steering wheel the 1 or 2 inches that you feel the loosness. No as your moving the wheel back and forth look and watch the steering shaft to see if its moving with the same motion that you are moving the wheel. If its not, then you should take a look at your rag joint. It might need replacing. If it is moving like it should, look forth into the negine bay and try to watch the pitman arm. If this is NOT moving with the steering wheel and steering shaft, then the box should be rebuilt or replaced. I vote for the later, due to the time it would take to rebuild it. If you've done what I've said and still cant figure out why its loose, get a buddy to turn your wheel for you, just enough to where you feel it firm up. So that would be the 1 or 2 inches you were talking about. While hes doing that, get under the car or stick your head under the hood and take a look around to see whats going on under there. And yes you need an alignment, but it wont be correct until you can fix your play in the steering.

 

thanks a lot man, i'll try that as soon as all this snow is gone, lol. I really appreciate the response

 

how much would a new steering box cost and where is my rag joint?

 

Your rag joint, is located towards the top of the steering shaft by the firewall. And unfortunetly we cant get new GM steering boxes for our cars anymore. We get remanufactured boxes from GM. I just priced it yesterday and it came to $400.oo roughly shipped to my door from gmpartsdirect.com. That is including the $100 core charge. You can get them cheaper from Kragen or Rockauto.com, or autozone. Its entirely up to you where you get it from.

 

damn, $400 is a lot, but thanks for the info anyways man, maybe i'll get lucky and it'll just be my rag joint, that would be cheaper right?

 

i never thought about the steering box..good point..sorry..i didnt know that you can make turns

 

You can find deals. I got a USED quick ratio steering box for $50. Have yet to install it into my 90 RS (waiting untill I have all the $$ to cover odds and ends for the motor swap). I'm too cheap to buy the expensive one

 

The only problem with a used box is that you dont know how long it will last. I am a testement to that. I bought a quick ratio box in July, and its already shot. It was fine for about 3 months, then it started to go and now its really bad. This was off of a 92 Z28 which i was told was a low milage car. Just becarefull if you choose to go with a used box. This time around I am going to buy a gm reman box. Its more money, but it carries a lifetime warantee (sp?) and its more piece of mind for me knowing its a true GM box.

 

I realize this is late but I maybe someone else will use the search to find this thread in the future.

If you don't have a buddy to turn the wheel, just clamp vise grips to the sterring shaft and wiggle the shaft. My father just told me that. I wish I'd thought of that. That method lets you easily see the steering wheel and pitman arm while you do the wiggling.