NSW Corvettes

Technical Tips => Brakes, Suspensions, Steering, Wheels & Tyres => Topic started by: tjvet on March 28, 2006, 07:27:32 PM

Title: too sensitive power steering
Post by: tjvet on March 28, 2006, 07:27:32 PM

I need some help with the pwer steering on my 74 VET. It's very sensitive, especially at high speed. So I wondered if anyone has tryed changing the pump, changing the sizes of the pulleys or put a restricter on it, or anything else. And which one is the most effective and most succesfull.

Title: too sensitive power steering
Post by: jolinari on March 28, 2006, 07:59:58 PM

not really an expert in that field but if ur after a new box let me know...needs to be reconditioned though!!!

oh BTW just noticed ur from the northern beaches could u introduce urself....we organise few runs towards your way

Title: too sensitive power steering
Post by: Cameron 77C3 on March 28, 2006, 09:38:19 PM

Power steering on a vette;30 :22

Lets see if we can help ya.

Ok a couple of questions.

Right or left and drive?
Original box or other?..................  If other what sought?
Do you have the Hydrolic Ram on the drag link?

Also, if you are a member of the club we do have Technical Advisers you can contact.  But they are only for club members.

Cam

Title: too sensitive power steering
Post by: BOSCHVETTE on March 29, 2006, 07:16:54 AM

increase the pulley size will help assuming it is a aftermarket pump

Title: too sensitive power steering
Post by: Cameron 77C3 on March 29, 2006, 03:18:31 PM

You better tell him which pulley Boshey.  Could be ugly. LOL!!

I'm laying odds it's a ram system.  And we all know what they are like.

Title: too sensitive power steering
Post by: tjvet on March 29, 2006, 07:28:39 PM

got the ram system. RHD . Any suggestions?

Title: too sensitive power steering
Post by: Cameron 77C3 on March 29, 2006, 08:32:51 PM

First of all you have to make sure that all your steering components are intact and in good order.  Things like loose/worn ball joints, tie rod ends, swing arm bush's can all effect the handling of your car especially at high speed.  You will also need to check your rear swing arm bush's.  Excessive rear end wear will give the appearance or feel of loose steering.  A warn ram or faulty power head will mean you are forever chasing the steering so to speak.

Also wheel alignment is critical.  That’s on all 4 wheels.  If your, as an example, toe in or camber is off your car can be very twitchy.

If all of the above is OK and you still feel that she is a bit twitchy you can only increase the pump pulley size.  I have never done this so I can not advise you on pulley sizes.  

Having said that this type of steering system was never the best in my opinion.  I replaced the whole system in my beast with a Rack N Pinion unit.  Not Cheap

If it was my beast I would be getting it checked over by a mechanic who is quite familiar with vettes to give you a starting point then take it from there.

If your Sydney based we can recommend a few good operators.


Cam

Title: too sensitive power steering
Post by: 69 DIRTY RAT on March 30, 2006, 09:48:32 PM

If your ram is worn I have a Spare near new! Cam is spot on, there are so many variables that can be cause the problem!