|
|
|
|
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 37
Shade Tree Mechanic
|
OP
Shade Tree Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 37 |
The steering on my 1950 Chevy Coupe is a little sloppy. Is there some way to adjust it to tighten the steering?
Thanks
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,069 Likes: 9
ChatMaster - 1,000
|
|
ChatMaster - 1,000
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,069 Likes: 9 |
Have you checked your service manual. There is a procedure that shows how to adjust it.
1946 Chevy 3100 1/2 Ton Pickup Purchased 11/18/17 Sold 9/20
1948 Chevy Fleetmaster Coupe, Purchased 6/20/2010
1965 Chevy ll 350 Purchased Feb 2021. 3-speed Saginaw Hurst Floor Shifter 3.08 Rear End
2019 Ford Ranger Lariat Super Crew
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 106
Shade Tree Mechanic
|
|
Shade Tree Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 106 |
Could be a worn idler arm that needs rebuilding.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 535
Oil Can Mechanic
|
|
Oil Can Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 535 |
With two 1950s I have seen this several times. First, adjust the steering gear box per the service manual. Then find a friend to sit in the drivers seat. With the car on the ground, have friend softly rock the steering wheel back and forth, not hard enough to actually move the tires. An inch or two of steering wheel movement is not a problem, more, you have something loose. You then look from above and below to where you see where your problem(s) are. The idler arm (mounts to the front axle) is often the issue, and it should not move up or down. Looseness can also be in the tie rod ends (springs broken), or a worn pitman arm bearing in the steering gear box. The pitman arm should rotate but not move forward or back. Check the king pins too.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 29,863
Tech Advisor ChatMaster - 25,000
|
|
Tech Advisor ChatMaster - 25,000
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 29,863 |
The Mangy Old Mutt
"If It's Not Junk.....It's Not Treasure!"
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 30,701 Likes: 141
ChatMaster - 25,000
|
|
ChatMaster - 25,000
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 30,701 Likes: 141 |
The check for looseness in the idler(center steering) arm with the wheels on the ground have some one move the steering wheel back and forth brisklt while you watch the arm. If if flops up and down it needs an idler arm repair kit.
If there is free movement is the steering connecting rod (drag link) a spring in the drag link end is broken.
If the steering pitman shaft is moving in and out the steering gear needs adjusting or pitman shaft and bushing replacement.
Common for the idler arm to be worn. should be lubricated every 1000 miles.
Common for the steering gear to be worn due to lack of lubrication.
Gene Schneider
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 4
Grease Monkey
|
|
Grease Monkey
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 4 |
[quote=Junkyard Dog]I had the same problem on my 1951 Chevrolet. Replaced the worn idler arm assembly and had the front end aligned. That cured the problem.
:D ;) :beer2: [/quote]
What type of shop did your alignment? I cant find one in my area that could do my 51. I ended up making some turntables and did it myself. But would really like to get it in a shop and have my work checked
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 29,863
Tech Advisor ChatMaster - 25,000
|
|
Tech Advisor ChatMaster - 25,000
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 29,863 |
The Mangy Old Mutt
"If It's Not Junk.....It's Not Treasure!"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
