Just restored my first Vette a 1974, I am not pleased with the steering. I have replaced the control valve, the steering cylinder and the pump seems to work just fine. However, it is farily hard to turn especially at slow speeds and the steering seems like it has a lot of play so the car and the steering wheel seem to "zig zag" when you are driving. Any sugggestions?
Thanks,
glenngtar

 

'it has a lot of play so the car and the steering wheel seem to "zig zag" when you are driving. Any sugggestions?'

Don't drink and drive. ( sorry, couldn't help it )

When you did the restore, what was done, as far as the steering componants?

 

Nothing....I am open to suggestions....thanks

 

Ya might want to put the front up in the air, with the suspension hanging. Go over every componant with a fine tooth comb. Rod ends, ball joints, bushings, and wheel bearings. Next go onto the power steering system. You may have a weak pump. Check for any leaks.

Hope this helps.

 

If I remember correctly, there's a centering procedure of the hydraulic cylinder. It's called "valve balancing". In the '73 Service Manual, it's on pg 9-65

 

Check your alignment too.
You may have a combination of mech/hydrolic issues.

 

Hi glenngtar and welcome to the forum. We have power assisted steering on our cars and it is always hard to turn if the car is not moving, newer cars have power steering and you can turn the wheels left and right untill you get a flat spot on the tires so i would consider that normal.
The Zig-Zag is a problem. If you have a lot of play I might check the Rag Joint, its at the end of the steering column and just before the steering box, that could be worn http://www.mamotorworks.com/ part # 602-390 then I would look at the idler arm, if it moves up and down more than a quarter of an inch that will need to be replaced. Another problem could be worn gears in the steering box. Have a assistant turn the steering wheel, if the pitman arm goes up and down before it goes right or left than the steering box could be worn out. Also while your at it check that the steering box has the proper amount of grease in it.
Hope that helps, PG.

 

Thanks I appreciate all the advice and will give me something to do this weekend. (ha), This is my first vette and I am 55 years old. I bought it with the excuse it was for my 17 year old daughter. It was junk when I got it, now it is expensive junk but she purr's like a kitten. Never had so much fun turning a pumpkin into a princess. Next problem, head lights work but will not raise.....vacuum system?

 

Yes, more than likely a vacuum leak or a bad vacuum diaphragm.

 

Heres a vacuum troubleshooting guide http://www.corvette-101.com/vacuum.htm the text is correct but the diagram is wrong at the headlight connections.
Heres the corrected diagram. PG.

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