Having odd steering problem on 81 Elky

[rogus]

Put the front on jack stands and turn the wheels, if it still has problems it is the steering box, If the problems go away it is the geometry or alignment.

Thanks! If it is alignment/geometry would this be corrected by a front end alignment (I would have to take it somewhere) or would it need a more in-depth procedure?

 

[ELCAM]

If it's not the steering box I would be concerned about something being bent especially a spindle.

 

[airboatgreg]

Put the front on jack stands and turn the wheels, if it still has problems it is the steering box, If the problems go away it is the geometry or alignment.

Put the jack stands on the lower control arms. Not the frame

 

[rogus]

If it's not the steering box I would be concerned about something being bent especially a spindle.

god I hope not...

 

[rogus]

Put the jack stands on the lower control arms. Not the frame

Thanks for the heads up. Just out of curiosity how does that effect the outcome?

 

[rogus]

Did it work right before. If so then its probably not the gearbox.
If it had sat open for a while and got moisture in it there could be a stuck check ball. Mine would power steer itself to the right till the pump stalled and burned the belt.

If it is a stuck check ball any suggestions on how to correct that? Because now that I think about the gearbox was unconnected for a couple of days.

 

[86LK]

how many turns from hard left to center? then how far can you force it to the right?

 

[airboatgreg]

Thanks for the heads up. Just out of curiosity how does that effect the outcome?

If you put them on the frame the suspension hangs. You want to mimic the car on the ground with the weight on the suspension

 

[Drkuhar]

If it is a stuck check ball any suggestions on how to correct that? Because now that I think about the gearbox was unconnected for a couple of days.

I had to replace my gearbox

 

[rogus]

If you put them on the frame the suspension hangs. You want to mimic the car on the ground with the weight on the suspension

Thanks, I should have thought about that. Learn something new all the time.