Sticky steering

[Cdaniel]

All right, more gremlins to chase away from my recently returned to the road 1966 project. 1st, all front end supension and steering componants are stock unmodified, new and lubricated. The manual steering box has been rebuilt. Problem, when cold and driven the 1st few miles everything works great. Then as the car heats up, the steeing becomes "sticky". Meaning minor steering wheel input isn't fluid anymore, it's jerky. You end up over correcting to overcome the "stickyness" and wandering side to side in the lane. The guy who rebuilt the box inspected it, he disconnected the pitman arm and that all seems smooth from the box up thru the wheel. He seems to think I've got binding in the ball joints or linkage some where. Makes sense, but what say you guys? And how do you isolate the offending part?

 

[Ozsum2]

If the ball joints or linkage were sticking, I'd think they would do it from the get go. Sounds like there may be binding in the box itself.

 

[Cdaniel]

If the ball joints or linkage were sticking, I'd think they would do it from the get go. Sounds like there may be binding in the box itself.

That was my 1st inclination, but the box seems to check out ok. It's definitely heat related, the longer you go, the worse it gets.

 

[Ozsum2]

Is there lube in the box?

 

[WORTH]

All right, more gremlins to chase away from my recently returned to the road 1966 project. 1st, all front end supension and steering componants are stock unmodified, new and lubricated. The manual steering box has been rebuilt. Problem, when cold and driven the 1st few miles everything works great. Then as the car heats up, the steeing becomes "sticky". Meaning minor steering wheel input isn't fluid anymore, it's jerky. You end up over correcting to overcome the "stickyness" and wandering side to side in the lane. The guy who rebuilt the box inspected it, he disconnected the pitman arm and that all seems smooth from the box up thru the wheel. He seems to think I've got binding in the ball joints or linkage some where. Makes sense, but what say you guys? And how do you isolate the offending part?

That doesn't make any sence at all, nothing will get hot from driving in a manual system. I can see a manual steering box being adjusted up to tight and sticking but it shouldn't change with use. got me

 

[Ozsum2]

That doesn't make any sence at all, nothing will get hot from driving in a manual system. I can see a manual steering box being adjusted up to tight and sticking but it shouldn't change with use. got me

That's what I was thinking.....the box is too tight and no lube in there. Don't touch this one G-Man.

 

[WORTH]

OZ I've been meaning to ask, how come you went for 67 to 2?

 

[Ozsum2]

OZ I've been meaning to ask, how come you went for 67 to 2?

Well, becuse of my lack of computer savy, and I forgot my password, and I changed IP's and e-mails, I couldn't get on here after the move. I'm sure the power that be could reinstall me, but it ain't that big of a deal. I would like my old custom title back though. At 10,200 feet, it applies now more than ever. (Too Much Thin Air)

 

[WORTH]

Well, becuse of my lack of computer savy, and I forgot my password, and I changed IP's and e-mails, I couldn't get on here after the move. I'm sure the power that be could reinstall me, but it ain't that big of a deal. I would like my old custom title back though. At 10,200 feet, it applies now more than ever. (Too Much Thin Air)

Cool I was afraid you traded the 67 for an 02

 

[Ozsum2]

Naw. Still got the 67 and it is rejetted to function at this altitude. I did pick up a '04 Buick Century. Nice ride.

 

[Cdaniel]

Leadville's great right now. I don't think I could manage a winter up there though. Growing up in Denver was enough to make me move to the desert.

Update on stickyness. Yes there's lube in the box, but the steering column, that's another matter. It's a Flaming River Tilt column and has a big Delrin or UHMWPE bushing in the bottom. I think it's getting hot and closing the tolerance on the shaft that passes through it. I squirted a little grease in there and so far so good. The test will be the trip home in the afternoon heat. Crossing my fingers.

 

[Ozsum2]

Leadville's great right now. I don't think I could manage a winter up there though. Growing up in Denver was enough to make me move to the desert.

Update on stickyness. Yes there's lube in the box, but the steering column, that's another matter. It's a Flaming River Tilt column and has a big Delrin or UHMWPE bushing in the bottom. I think it's getting hot and closing the tolerance on the shaft that passes through it. I squirted a little grease in there and so far so good. The test will be the trip home in the afternoon heat. Crossing my fingers.

Now you're talking. I spent 4 years in the bush of Alaska. I have heard that Leadville can be the coldest place in the lower 48. I am glad that I kept my parka.

 

[Cdaniel]

Whoo Hoo! I think I nailed it no sticky wicket on the ride home. One gremlin down who knows how many more to go.

 

[Ozsum2]

A little dab will do ya. Sounds right.