I have a 68 mustang with power steering. It has mostly new tierods, new ball joints, new idler arm, power steering pump, rebuilt control valve. The problem is that going down the road at 55 mph the car kinda wanders around. Not pull, because it can be left or right. It isn't that bad, but I constantly find myself turning the wheel slightly left and right to keep the car in the lane, and it still walks around in the lane. There has got to be something that can be done. Recent front end alignment, new tires, good shocks, I tightened the adjustment nut on the steering box slightly, but it didn't help. Any advice? More caster? I hear this is a common problem, there must be a common fix. It wasn't always like this.
steering help
- Thread starter Jim12
- Start date
12sec67
Active Member
DarkBuddha
Founding Member
First, welcome to the forum... As for your symptoms, its a common complaint. Most folks have been able to minimize (if not completely eliminate) the problem by completely rebuilding the suspension and steering components and making sure everything is adjusted correctly (like the steering box).
Since it appears you've done most of that stuff, I can only suggest actually getting under the car and taking a look to see where the play is. Start by crawling under the car and try moving parts of the steering with your hands. Look at the idler arm and pitman arm mounts, play in the tie rod ends, etc. If anything is easily moved or shows play, fix it.
If that goes well, have someone start the car and turn the wheel while you look for play in the power steering system. Notice how much travel there is at the steering wheel before the steering box moves, and how much the steering box moves before the steering system actually moves. I know you mentioned you adjusted the steering box a bit, but perhaps it needs more.
Since it appears you've done most of that stuff, I can only suggest actually getting under the car and taking a look to see where the play is. Start by crawling under the car and try moving parts of the steering with your hands. Look at the idler arm and pitman arm mounts, play in the tie rod ends, etc. If anything is easily moved or shows play, fix it.
If that goes well, have someone start the car and turn the wheel while you look for play in the power steering system. Notice how much travel there is at the steering wheel before the steering box moves, and how much the steering box moves before the steering system actually moves. I know you mentioned you adjusted the steering box a bit, but perhaps it needs more.
68GEETEE
5 Year Member
of note: adjusting the steering box is fine, but if the box is 35 years old, a replacement may be in order. If your ball joints, tie rods, center link and bushings are new or in very good condition, then you may have to consider replacing the steering box. You can purchase a Flaming River box for your Stang with a 16:1 ratio. That will give you tighter steering and a quicker reaction time.
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