<VV> steering wheel play

[Bill Elliott]

I completely agree with Mark that what you are seeing is a combination 
of "normal" and possibly some worn parts. I've been surprised at the 
sloppy steering even on enthusiast-owned cars.

But I've seen a _great_ improvement in simply replacing the pitman arm 
bushing with a nylon one (Clarks C178N). Even on cars with decent rubber 
bushings. This is one of the first modifications that I do to every 
Corvair I buy.

I also concur with Mark on the order to attack the issue... bushings 
first, adjust the lash on the steering box, and get a good alignment (to 
modern specs, not to the original specs which were for bias ply tires). 
It's relatively rare that you need to replace/rebuild the 'box itself....

Bill

airvair wrote:

>The typical American '60's car is supposed to have some play in the
>steering wheel. But the first place I'd look if you feel it's too much
>are the pitman arm and all the other rubber bushings in the steering
>linkage. Normally, they are "the usual suspects" as steering gear wear
>is not as common. With linkage (bushing) wear, the car will also tend to
>wander and/or shimmy while being driven. Check that first.
>
>Some steering gear wear can be compensated for, if not excessive. There
>is an adjustment screw w/jamb nut on the top of the box, accessable thru
>a plug in the trunk floor. Only after checking all this out should one
>suspect gear wear.
>
>-Mark
>
>Connie Brummer wrote:
>  
>
>>Thinking toward spring when I get the vert out of storage.  I didn’t drive
>>it a lot before winter hit, but when I did, the steering wheel has about 1 ½
>>to 2 inches of play in it.  We’ve priced steering box parts from a vendor,
>>but I’m wondering if the play will improve enough to be worth it?  Realizing
>>it’s a 42 year old car, should I expect it to feel “tighter”?
>>
>>    
>>
>  
>