C2 Steering concern

[Donald H.]

I recently purchased a 67 L-79 convertible, just got it last Friday. I also have a 66 L-79 coupe.

The weather cleared up enough Sunday before the 8 inch snow storm Sunday night to take the 67 for a good drive. My question/concern/issue is how it drives compared to the 66, in particular steering.

Both cars are standard steering. The steering in the 67 seems to be heaver (best way I can describe it) than the 66. I'm talking about at slow speed turns, like a no stop slow turn at an intersection. The 67 seems to want to stay in the turn, I have to straighten the car out. In my 66 when coming out of the turn, it wants to straighten itself out.

I'm not describing this situation very well, but that is how it feels to me. I don't know if this is what typically is called over steer?

Is it likely the steering gear or can it be something with alignment?

Thanks,

Don

[Timothy B.]

Re: C2 Steering concern

Donald,

The problem could be a tight steering box, that was adjusted wrong. Also, the caster setting in the alignment may be wrong. What size tires are on the car, is the air pressure OK.

[Donald H.]

Re: C2 Steering concern

The car has 207/75-R15 tires, but I don't know how old they are. I'm getting new tire and an alignment for sure. As soon as it warms a little I will get out and lube all the front end and check the grease in the steering gear.

thanks,
Don

[Edward J.]

Re: C2 Steering concern

Don, It maybe something like a frozen or sticking ball joint, The best way to approach this is unhook the outer tie rods left and then right, once unhooked with a jack under control arm see if the wheel turns easily left to right. I have dealt with this many times. steering box adjustments would have to be really cranked down to cause this. If you have played with this adjustment then go there first.

[Bill H.]

Re: C2 Steering concern

I agree with Tim and the lube is a good idea.
The first thing I'd o is jack the front wheels off the ground and run the steering lock to lock to see if it's tight with no load.
The castor would have to be off by quite a bit to cause this.

BTW, oversteer doesn't apply, it's how the car reacts during acceleration for a given steering angle input (the rear end wants to come around/slide rather than track in the radus of the turn).