midyear steering

[Dave K.]

I have a 65 coupe with manual steering (tele column) and a 66 roadster with manual steering (standard column). Both columns have been recently rebuilt. I replaced the steering box on both cars with rebuilt steering boxes. Tie rods are in the outer knuckle holes. I rebuilt both relay rods and lubed the linkage on both cars. However, I notice that the convertible is harder to steer (stiffer) than the coupe. Any ideas?

Dave K.

[Stephen L.]

Re: midyear steering

Different tires/pressures???? Different engine weights???

[Rich G.]

[Jim L.]

Re: midyear steering

Caster has a significant effect on steering effort. Are both vehicles aligned to have the same caster?

[Paul Y.]

Re: midyear steering

Caster has a significant effect on steering effort. Are both vehicles aligned to have the same caster?

I know this may sound crazy but my friend, who purchased my 1972 back in 1987, asked me to convert it to power steering for him and his wife.. I never remembered it steering too hard when I owned it so I checked the steering box. Low on fluid. I got my trusty drilled through bolt with the grease zerk tapped into the top and filled the box with a high quality grease until it came out the lower bolt. Problem solved and that was about ten years ago. So maybe check the lubricant in the steering box. I always try simple fix first.

[James W.]

Re: midyear steering

Paul,

What type/kind of grease did you put in the steering box?

Thanks,

James West

[Paul Y.]

Re: midyear steering

Paul,

What type/kind of grease did you put in the steering box?

Thanks,

James West

James, the first one had a cartridge from GM that Joe V recommended as a good universal grease.. after that was used up on misc. other things I used a good synthetic high temp grease from the parts store. I usually have more empty grease guns than I do cartridges.

[Dave K.]

Re: midyear steering

James, the first one had a cartridge from GM that Joe V recommended as a good universal grease.. after that was used up on misc. other things I used a good synthetic high temp grease from the parts store. I usually have more empty grease guns than I do cartridges.

The 66 has new ball joints and the 65 has worn ball joints. The66 steering should be stiffer. I figured this out myself.
Thanks