removed/reinstalled steering column, now steering issue

Posted By: blown340

removed/reinstalled steering column, now steering issue - 04/22/10 11:26 PM

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

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Posted By: Andrewh

Re: removed/reinstalled steering column, now steering issue - 04/22/10 11:36 PM

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.

Posted By: blown340

Re: removed/reinstalled steering column, now steering issue - 04/22/10 11:43 PM

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?

Posted By: Andrewh

Re: removed/reinstalled steering column, now steering issue - 04/22/10 11:47 PM

I don't think so. normally you have to mess with that valve, but maybe the shock from being knocked around did it. I don't know.
But the symptoms you are describing are exactly what happens when it gets out of adjustment.

to prove it, jack up your car and start it. The wheels should turn all by themselves to the right to lock.

IF it doesn't do that, then it would be something else.

Posted By: RapidRobert

Re: removed/reinstalled steering column, now steering issue - 04/22/10 11:52 PM

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.

Posted By: HealthServices

Re: removed/reinstalled steering column, now steering issue - 04/23/10 12:07 AM

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.

Posted By: HealthServices

Re: removed/reinstalled steering column, now steering issue - 04/23/10 12:10 AM

Make sure it is adjusted correctly before you test drive.

https://board.moparts.org/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=5891211&Main=5891198

Posted By: StukaJU87

Re: removed/reinstalled steering column, now steering issue - 04/23/10 02:52 AM

Quote:

Make sure it is adjusted correctly before you test drive.

https://board.moparts.org/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=5891211&Main=5891198

I was thinking the same thing.

Posted By: blown340

Re: removed/reinstalled steering column, now steering issue - 04/23/10 02:56 AM

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

Posted By: 1_WILD_RT

Re: removed/reinstalled steering column, now steering issue - 04/23/10 02:57 AM

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...

Posted By: blown340

Re: removed/reinstalled steering column, now steering issue - 04/23/10 03:15 AM

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

Posted By: RapidRobert

Re: removed/reinstalled steering column, now steering issue - 04/23/10 03:21 AM

Quote:

If this is just the start of it falling apart I'd prefer just to replace it.

adj the valve on top & I suspect you'll be good!

Posted By: 1_WILD_RT

Re: removed/reinstalled steering column, now steering issue - 04/23/10 03:22 AM

I've adjusted plenty never to have a problem again... But then seeing posts here about cars making hard turns while driving down the road...

FWIW I setup the steering box in Mikes Pink Vert close to twenty years ago & it's never had another issue...

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