The steering in my 86 IROc is quite loose, it has been since I bought it, I've changed the struts and tire rod ends since then and it drives just about the same as the day i bought it. Has anyone else had this problem and how have you gone about fixing it. I am thinking about getting the polyurethane bushings, but if anyone has any better suggestions I am open to them also.

 

Check the "rag" joint at the bottom of the steering column, where the coulmn attaches to the gearbox. You can have somebody shake the wheel from side to side while you watch the joint and see how much slop it has.

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"So many Mustangs, so little time..."
ICON Motorsports

 

I'm not sure how common it is, but you're steering box could be shot. I'm pretty sure you can adjust the preload on them also to tighten them up. Someone else may have to back me up on this one, I haven't done one on a thirdgen yet

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Clem
SCCA TransAm Series Race Mechanic/CrewChief
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1983 Z28 with LG4, 5 speed, and (unfortunately) T-tops
1983 Z28, NO T-tops, (unfortunately) Auto Transmission---FOR SALE---
Looking for a V8, preferably 4 or 5 speed Camaro with NO T-tops (wanna trade?)

 

The steering box is like most GM products. It can be adjusted, but only a little bit usually. To tight and you will kill the box and have a difficult time driving it. Check the idler arm and the center link. The rubber bushings might be part of the cause, but only if they are totally worn out. The above stuff is usually the problem(along with the rag joint.


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82 camaro--original steering wheel, brake/gas pedals, seats--everything else modified
82camaro

 

I had the same prob with my Z....I put all new parts in and it was all over the road. My remedy was tighten the steering box. Another guy said you will chew it up but mine is fine. I had to turn it 4 times to get the slack out. It is kinda cone shaped in side from what I am told. The screw is on top of the steering box. Loosen the lock bolt...I think it is a 5/8" and then take an allen head socket and turn it down till you feel the bolt snug. You will have to use ratchet to hold it till you tighten the locking nut again. Once the lock nut is snug with a wrench, I used a 5/8" deep socket and alot of extensions and tightened it good. It made all the differnece in handleing to my car

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91 Z28 Camaro
305 TPI
700R4 with 2000 Stall and shift kit

 

On tightening the steering gear box:

Somebody told me this one time and it makes sense to me.

When you tighten the gear mesh in the steering box be sure to do the adjustment with the wheels turned almost to lock. the reason behind this is that there is more wear on the gears in the center of the steering travel. If you do the adjustment in the center of the travel where there has been more wear, the mesh will be too tight at the ends of the travel since there has not been as much wear there. Just a though, seems sendible

Clem

 

I think before you tear into the steering box, you should check your idler arm. Mine was all messed up, and made the steering really sloppy. Once I replaced it, along with everything else, my steering was perfect. If you haven't replaced your ball joints, that should help too. The polyurethane bushings will help your handling, but I don't think they'd remedy sloppy steering.

 

Hey that comment to adjust it to the side really makes sense!! I have to admit I never thought of that...I am not worried though....I hope if I have it tighter it will wear the groove even hahah

 

On the GM steering box, GM set the tolerances for "over center" (driving straight) a little tighter than toward the ends of steering travel. Adjusting with the wheel centered will have the same effect, with less chance of "over tightening". (you wanna talk about some truly wierd driving characteristics!!! try setting it as tight as you can and go for a ride. Just make sure you have a CLEAR road to test on......)

 

thanks guys, will check tomorrow.