Wounded Vet

[Ronald R.]

I have friend that is driving a 68 roadster with 350 auto and PS he still has some difficulty steering on long runs. Thought about converting to power rack and pinion to male it easier on him, any suggestions Thanks Ronnie

[Duke W.]

Re: Wounded Vet

Power steering systems from the sixties generally have more boost (and less feel) than modern power steering systems.

There may be a way to increase the boost of the OE system (assuming it's OE), like changing the control valve, but there is absolutely no reason to assume than any rack and pinion conversion will do anything other than empty the wallet.

The Corvette power steering system was pretty much the same throughout the C2/3 era. I'm not an expert, but I'm sure there are guys out there who understand the system well and can select parts to provide more or less boost than whatever it has now... something you should look into.

Changing a couple of parts on the OE system is a whole lot easier and cheaper than cobbling up the car with an aftermarket rack and pinion system.

Duke

[Dick W.]

Re: Wounded Vet

I am having to dig deep into my limited, feeble brain cells, but I seem to remember that we had problems with some IH trucks of the early '60's with the same issues. Pumps were the same as Corvette I think. I believe the cure was to install a thin shim under the flow control valve spring.

[John D.]

Re: Wounded Vet

Would moving the tie rod to the rear hole on the knuckle help with steering effort on a PS car ?

[Ronald R.]

Re: Wounded Vet

thanks guys will do some studying

[Jack H.]

Re: Wounded Vet

To Duke's point above...

Years ago my family had a huge 70's Chevy station wagon that you could steer with your pinky finger. Very minimal effort and unfortunately absolutely Zero road feel, almost like you were driving with a remote joystick. I've never driven anything in more recent times anywhere near that experience. Newer cars value road feel and use variable technology to achieve a balance at different speeds. So I agree with Duke in regard to looking into old technology, at least initially...based on that old station wagon experience I would think its very possible. I suppose another possibility is assisted controls, although it doesn't sound like your friend is at this level.

[Duke W.]

Re: Wounded Vet

Would moving the tie rod to the rear hole on the knuckle help with steering effort on a PS car ?

Yes, it will increase the overall ratio, from about 17:1 to 20:1 so effort will be less. If the tie rod position is changed, the toe will need to be reset to spec.

Duke

[John H.]

Re: Wounded Vet

Yes, it will increase the overall ratio, from about 17:1 to 20:1 so effort will be less. If the tie rod position is changed, the toe will need to be reset to spec.

Duke

Duke -

Doing that will also damage the power cylinder rod seals, as the rearward steering arm position will allow the cylinder to over-extend the rod; that's why St. Louis installed a solid aluminum rivet in the outer steering arm holes on a power steering car - to prevent the owner from moving the tie rod ends to the outer pair of holes and blowing the rod seals.

[Duke W.]

Re: Wounded Vet

Thanks for mentioning that.

Duke

[Edward J.]

Re: Wounded Vet

Ron, would something like the sucide knob that attaches to the steering wheel help with the efforts?? Years ago the where pretty popular.

[Paul J.]

Re: Wounded Vet

Ron, would something like the sucide knob that attaches to the steering wheel help with the efforts?? Years ago the where pretty popular.

Exactly what I was thinking. This won't cost very much and he could try that first before making any mechanical changes.