To much play in the steering wheel

[deeboe78]

Wsup every one

I have to much play in my steering wheel. Its fine driving on the roads. But on the express way its a differnt story. I believe I need new CJ joints what do guys think?

thanks for any comments
SSG D

[70bird]

What kind of vehicle is it? Mileage? You may have worn steering linkage, steering box, or may just need alignment. Mark

[deeboe78]

1970 chevelle. Cant really tell you the miles. Its a 350 rebuilt with now maybe 40k miles on it.

thanks

SSG D

[cheapthrillz]

Get up under it and check the center link and steering linkage. Sometimes they get worn out. Check the input on the steering box. Sometimes those will get worn out and have a 1/8 turn of play.

[pitts64]

Usually its the Idler arm.

[deeboe78]

OK will do. Ill let you know
thanks!!!

SSG D

[LowBuckX]

Pitman arm will also do this. Replace both Idler and pitman at same time.

[aggressive male]

You might be able to find some play in the steering shaft you can get rid of too. Shake the shaft where it goes into the firewall and see if there is play. How old is the rag joint where it connects to the steering box? You can replace it with a u-joint from flaming river. That will tighten your steering some.

[cheapthrillz]

When we were looking to replace the steering on our '69 camaro, all of the pivot points were worn into ovals. You could grab the center link and move it 1/4" without even turning the wheels. The rag joint wasn't helping either.

You just need to inspect the entire steering system for play.

1. firwall
2. rag joint
3. box
4. pitman arm
5. idler arm
6-?. all of the linkage....

[deeboe78]

thanks for the replies.

Should I go buy new ones? or go get decent ones used off of a newer model GM or other compatiable car?

thanks

SSG D

[70bird]

Definitely new! Never used for safety related parts.
Mark

[deeboe78]

how much do they usually run?

[Ranaexcavating]

Wsup every one

I have to much play in my steering wheel. Its fine driving on the roads. But on the express way its a differnt story. I believe I need new CJ joints what do guys think?

thanks for any comments
SSG D

Maybe it's me ..... What is a CJ joint?

[deeboe78]

Remember I said Im green.:help: CV joints. Not what ever I said it was a miss type. lol


thanks

Steven

[deeboe78]

(Off subject) I was looking at your PT Garage. Damn thats a nice paint job. for you Camaro. What kind of engine are you doing? Who painted it.


:kewlpics: Nice....

[cheapthrillz]

(Off subject) I was looking at your PT Garage. Damn thats a nice paint job. for you Camaro. What kind of engine are you doing? Who painted it.


:kewlpics: Nice....

You talkin about mine? I hope not... lol. Mine is a single stage cheap paint job. Maybe you're talkin about someone elses.

[MonzaRacer]

Start with rebuilding the frontend, Chevelle has no wear part on pitman arm it the cneter link that wears, also install new idler arm, while there its cheap insuranece to slide in new tierods and sleeves, add in some new poly urethane bushings(I like Energy Suspensions best) and get lots of extra lube and USE IT on the bushings.
Also dont forget ot check the steering box for looseness do a search for Lee Steering boxes (Ill look for the email addy) and get a new faster ratio box(about $400 but worth every penny trust me.
The Linkage rebuild should be done under $200 if your choosy on parts.
Personally I prefer NAPA Chassis parts but in a pinch you can use either thier MAster Ride line or McQuay-Norris from AZ , I have been having some warranty issues with MOOG lately, has me wondering.
Look for longer warranty(ie lifetime).
also if the link from the collum ot the bos is worn spend the cash and get a new slip shaft made and use Borgeson joints over the stock stuff.
also this would be good time to change out the upper control arms and install tall ball joints for better camber gain. Talk to Marcus at SC&C for the ball joint/arm combo over trying to adapt taller spindles.
Ask questions and think about your moves to plan an effective suspension so your cash isnt wasted as fast. basic wear parts in linkage are first place ,then bushings and Tall ball joints? then steering shaft/box.
Good Luck

[LowBuckX]

If you find CV joints when your under your car just leave em alone They are very rare for a 70 Chevelle. You may never find another set for you Chevelle then you will be left with out your AWD... LOL J/K

I think the word your looking for is Ball joint or tie rod. Cv joints or Constant velosity joints are on front drive axle like on All wheel drives or front wheel drives or 4x4s .

I have the hook up if you deside to run the borgenson joint instead of the rag joint. You get the joint and I know where to get the slip collar made.

[bochnak]

Go to www.rockauto.com and buy the Spicer proffesional grade parts. Good quality at a fair price.

I had steering wheel slop due to a worn out centerlink. The pitman arm does not wear.

You really have to climb under the car and visually inspect all moving joints while the wheels turn left to right.

[deeboe78]

Thanks guys!!! AWD lol!!!! :ssst: will get with you for that hook up

SSG D

[LowBuckX]

Go to www.rockauto.com (http://www.rockauto.com) and buy the Spicer proffesional grade parts. Good quality at a fair price.

The pitman arm does not wear.


Ah yes the joint is on the center link...... I have Nova on the brain