by "lone_liberal" (token-liberal)
Published 05/29/2017 at 19:37
by "lone_liberal" (token-liberal)
Published 05/29/2017 at 19:37
No Tags
STARS: 3
Took the POS Camaro out for a drive after replacing the old fan with an electric one that I had lying around and was just too lazy to put in before. Until now I had been doing short low speed test drives but this time I decided to take it out on some main roads and shake it down.
I learned two things: 1. There is some serious slop in the steering that will have to be fixed before any further road excursions and 2. The mice definitely got in there during the winter because it reeks of mouse piss. The first problem is either something loose in the steering or a worn out steering box. With this thing it could be either or both. The second means elbow grease on what are were new carpets. Bonus pic of the DD and my parents’ camper.
"Nibby" (nibby68)
05/29/2017 at 19:48, STARS: 1
Mouse piss? I know that’s a Mariner, but... Escape!
"Die-Trying" (die-trying)
05/29/2017 at 20:31, STARS: 0
i always just kinda forget about the slop in the steering of all the old trucks that i have, until i get back into them after having driven something modern........
"lone_liberal" (token-liberal)
05/29/2017 at 20:41, STARS: 2
This had at least 8-12 inches of play in the wheel. Having owned a Camaro of similar vintage before I know that ain’t right for what was a sporty car back in its day. The numbness, on the other hand, is totally normal.
"Urambo Tauro" (urambotauro)
05/29/2017 at 20:43, STARS: 0
Hopefully the steering issue is something simple, like maybe a rag joint. I hate sloppy steering.
"Die-Trying" (die-trying)
05/29/2017 at 20:49, STARS: 1
i had one of the daily trucks start getting progressively worse, until one day it was so bad, i decided that i ought look. turns out the bolts for the steering box had started to back themselves out. two had fallen out, and one was halfway out, and only one was still holding decent. the steering box managed to try and loosen itself two more times after that. finally got after it with some loctite......
"lone_liberal" (token-liberal)
05/29/2017 at 20:51, STARS: 2
I’m with you so it will be gone one way or another even if it means an aftermarket box. I suspect the rag joint, or the joints in the shaft but given the car’s age it might need a steering system rebuild too.
"lone_liberal" (token-liberal)
05/29/2017 at 20:58, STARS: 1
That’s where I’m starting, making sure every nut and bolt is present and tight. After that it will be trying to find everywhere there is slop. At least all of those parts are relatively cheap and easy to find.
"Die-Trying" (die-trying)
05/29/2017 at 21:07, STARS: 1
i have only had one steering box actually wear itself flat out. you would turn the shaft and watch the steering arm move up or down about an inch before anything started turning. but there is usually a good bit of slop that can be adjusted out of them at the box.
"19JRC99" (19jrc99)
05/29/2017 at 23:29, STARS: 0
I need to check out the Chevelle. It’s got loads of play. I don’t *think* the Camaro does (I can’t turn the wheel without the key in it)
"lone_liberal" (token-liberal)
05/29/2017 at 23:37, STARS: 0
As long as this Camaro has been off the road it just makes sense to inspect everything given the excessive play. I really don’t want the steering to stop working while going down the highway. I don’t think that would be much fun.
"19JRC99" (19jrc99)
05/29/2017 at 23:40, STARS: 1
Sure it would! Be the ride of a lifetime!
The Chevelle’s actually been sitting for years, but so far so good.
"Sweet Trav" (thespunbearing)
05/30/2017 at 08:47, STARS: 1
You might be able to use a quick ratio box from an 80's Monte Carlo SS, or if you plan on putting bigger tires on it, grab a quick ratio box from a third gen Camaro / Firebird. I have a brand new one sitting in my garage if you want it. Also replace the factory rag joint with a u joint style intermediate shaft. A company called Pro-Forged sells complete steering wear part kits for almost nothing.
"cletus44 aka Clayton Seams" (cletus44)
05/30/2017 at 09:37, STARS: 1
That thing looks amazing.
"lone_liberal" (token-liberal)
05/30/2017 at 10:23, STARS: 0
It would certainly fit in on the Reidus and Cletus show.
"cletus44 aka Clayton Seams" (cletus44)
05/30/2017 at 10:30, STARS: 0
It would be right at home
"Bandit - destroyed his car" (notbandit)
05/30/2017 at 19:46, STARS: 0
Just buy a new column for cheap if you get fed up with it. GM made the things with basically no mechanical changes for like 40 years. I gave up on fixing steering slop in my original steering column because of all the springs and tiny screws.
"lone_liberal" (token-liberal)
05/30/2017 at 20:23, STARS: 0
I think the issue is somewhere in the shaft between the column and the box, or in the tie rod ends, etc. but you’re right that they used that column for a loooooooong time and it would be nice to have a tilt function as well as tighter steering.
"19JRC99" (19jrc99)
06/03/2017 at 01:45, STARS: 0
Guest episode?