removed/reinstalled steering column, now steering issue
#677486
04/22/10 07:26 PM
04/22/10 07:26 PM
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Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 3,310
Walnut Creek, CA
blown340
OP
master
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OP
master
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 3,310
Walnut Creek, CA
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Help!  I recently removed the steering column on my 71 scamp to replace the dash wiring harness. After reinstallation the car pulls very hard to the left. The car will go straight if you hold the wheel straight, but pulls as soon as you let go. Also, the steering feels very light if you are turning left, but feels very heavy if you turn right. Other than the pulling everything feels very smooth, although I only drove around the block because of the steering issues. Everything worked fine before I took the column out. So what did I screw up this time?  For reference the car is a 71 scamp, 318, factory power steering, sbp disk car. Thanks!! -Jon
70 challenger convertible. 340/5 speed. blown, intercooled, efi, blah blah blah
71 valiant scamp 318/A833OD/AC/PS
00 dakota RC 4.7L 5 spd autoX'r. SRT10/T56 swap in process
73 W200 Power wagon, PTO winch, 4 spd
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Re: removed/reinstalled steering column, now steering issue
[Re: Andrewh]
#677488
04/22/10 07:43 PM
04/22/10 07:43 PM
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Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 3,310
Walnut Creek, CA
blown340
OP
master
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OP
master
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 3,310
Walnut Creek, CA
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Quote:
weird if you only pulled the column, but it sounds like the valve is misadjusted on the top of the power steering gear box.
where the hoses go in.
you have to put the car on stands.
loosen the two bolts and tap it up or down till the steering stops turning on its own.
Could I have caused that to become messed up by knocking the dowel pin out/in of the steering column?
70 challenger convertible. 340/5 speed. blown, intercooled, efi, blah blah blah
71 valiant scamp 318/A833OD/AC/PS
00 dakota RC 4.7L 5 spd autoX'r. SRT10/T56 swap in process
73 W200 Power wagon, PTO winch, 4 spd
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Re: removed/reinstalled steering column, now steering issue
[Re: blown340]
#677490
04/22/10 07:52 PM
04/22/10 07:52 PM
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Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 36,040
Lincoln Nebraska
RapidRobert
Circle Track
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Circle Track
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 36,040
Lincoln Nebraska
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As said I'd say the valve on top got bumped but you sure wouldn't think it'd be anywhere near that loose. I'd jack it up and idling & slightly loosen the bolts and tap it slightly front or rear until the wheels will stay centered and move th wheels back/forth until things feels right.
live every 24 hour block of time like it's your last day on earth
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Re: removed/reinstalled steering column, now steering issue
[Re: RapidRobert]
#677491
04/22/10 08:07 PM
04/22/10 08:07 PM
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 7,759
So Cal
HealthServices
Why would you even post that?
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Why would you even post that?
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 7,759
So Cal
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Just make sure of two things when you start the car, 1. Do not reach through the steering wheel to start the car. 2. Lightly tap the valve when making the adjustment. Yes it is possible to break some bones if the adjustment is off enoough and you reach thru the steering wheel to start the car. 
Allen
Here's a novel idea, let's not throw a bunch of parts at the car hoping it will fix the problem and instead spend a little time diagnosing it first.
Life was a little easier when I was just a wrench.
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Re: removed/reinstalled steering column, now steering issue
[Re: HealthServices]
#677494
04/22/10 10:56 PM
04/22/10 10:56 PM
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Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 3,310
Walnut Creek, CA
blown340
OP
master
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OP
master
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 3,310
Walnut Creek, CA
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Quote:
Make sure it is adjusted correctly before you test drive.
https://board.moparts.org/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=5891211&Main=5891198
In the thread you referenced 1wildRT makes reference to the spool valve being stuck. Is this something that could have happened from it sitting for like 4 months? I want to make sure the problem is fixed, and not that I'm just adjusting something that already has developed another problem that will bite me later.
Oh, and no safety concerns here, i'm just idling in first gear with excellent brakes, not like the dumb guy in that thread! 
-Jon
70 challenger convertible. 340/5 speed. blown, intercooled, efi, blah blah blah
71 valiant scamp 318/A833OD/AC/PS
00 dakota RC 4.7L 5 spd autoX'r. SRT10/T56 swap in process
73 W200 Power wagon, PTO winch, 4 spd
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Re: removed/reinstalled steering column, now steering issue
[Re: 1_WILD_RT]
#677496
04/22/10 11:15 PM
04/22/10 11:15 PM
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Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 3,310
Walnut Creek, CA
blown340
OP
master
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OP
master
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 3,310
Walnut Creek, CA
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Quote:
A sure sign is the valve is out of adjustment will be to watch the steering wheel when you start the car... It should remain still.. If as soon as the car starts it rotates slightly (Kicks) the valve is out of adjustment... If it doesn't kick your problem is elsewhere...
When I start cranking it turns slowly about 1/4 turn left.
So this box is who knows how old, if not original. Is this a sympton of other endemic problems? If I adjust it is it likely to come out of adjustment again? If this is just the start of it falling apart I'd prefer just to replace it.
Thanks!
-Jon
70 challenger convertible. 340/5 speed. blown, intercooled, efi, blah blah blah
71 valiant scamp 318/A833OD/AC/PS
00 dakota RC 4.7L 5 spd autoX'r. SRT10/T56 swap in process
73 W200 Power wagon, PTO winch, 4 spd
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I was thinking the same thing.
FWIW I setup the steering box in Mikes Pink Vert close to twenty years ago & it's never had another issue...
