help! steering prob...

[procamaroz28]

ok im starting to notice major bumpsteer w/ my car and it feels like the steering is not really tight...
what would i need to get my steering solid again as if the car is new???
do i need a new steering gear assembly?? or bushings or an alignment?????
plz help!
also the car has 105k on it... idk if that will help determine what i need to do...

and sway bar end links are new...

[sweetbmxrider]

your best bet would be to check the front end first. didn't you just change wheels/tires? did you start noticing after that? i would throw the old ones back on just to be sure.

[procamaroz28]

nope it was before that too...

[LTb1ow]

Check the rag joint in the steering column.

[transmaro93]

^^^ +1 on the rag joint...i replaced mine at about 105,000... you can just replace the "rag joint" its self with some grinding and bolt work... or do what i did and buy the whole steering u-joint shaft... i forgot how much it costs though.... check the front end first though... ball joints and tierod ends... to check the rag joint... just have someone sit in the car and move the steering back in forth in short strokes and look and or feel for play.... its located in the steering shaft with the u-joints on it... that slip fits over the steering column and connects to the rack assembly... hope this helps... good luck...

[procamaroz28]

hmm i guess that would be it... my car got the same mileage and the ball joints are good...

[procamaroz28]

btw.. how do i find one if i need to buy????

[procamaroz28]

is this a good idea if that ends up being the problem??

http://www.unbalancedengineering.com/Camaro/Rag_Joint/

[camaro2you]

You will notice a great deal of vibration in the steering wheel if you take away that rag joint.

[V]

Also try just tightening it up. i know on kaseys car we did it. over time it may slide out a little allowing some excess play.

[Triple-A]

I would check the front end for looseness first.

[//<86TA>\\]

is this a good idea if that ends up being the problem??

http://www.unbalancedengineering.com/Camaro/Rag_Joint/

they do work, but the shaft has to be PERFECTLY aligned, if its off a little, it will bind really bad. I wouldn't use one

[transmaro93]

i would use the factory type.. but its your car... i got mine through the dealer.. i want to say it was $80 my cost through the shop... i could be wrong though...

[sweetbmxrider]

if i remember this correctly, ls1 steering shafts do NOT have rag joints. the steering damper is built into the rack itself. could still be an issue there, but not like what you guys are saying.

http://home.comcast.net/~nstama/shafts.jpg

[V]

thats right, no rag joint on ls1's

but on all, the part of the shaft coming from the steering column should be slotted and does allow it to loosen up and have play. try loosing the top bolt on the joint and tapping it up as far as possible and retighten it.