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Steering problems, really need some help!

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  • #1

    Steering problems, really need some help!

    Hey guys,

    Iv'e posted about this before but I'm still looking for some help.

    a few years ago I slid on some ice on gratiot and bumped the curb pretty hard. It left my drivers side wheel turned in when my passenger side was still straight.

    I took the car to the shop, and they told me the lower A-arm was bent and replaced it, at the same time I purchased a UMI K-frame and had them install it. When I got the car back they stated they could not get the steering wheel straight and the wheels straight at the same time. So I ended up with a ****-eyed steering wheel.

    Soon after I figured out that I could turn the steering wheel more to the right then the left. So in other words I can't make a tight lefthand turn (getting into parking spaces on the left side is a PITA). But I couldn't figure out what the issue is.

    Fast forward to this year, trying to find the issue I had two new tierods and a new rack and pinion put in, thinking perhaps the crash damaged the rack. But afterwards I still have the issue, The mechanic cut a bit of one inner tie-rod off (which I wish he hadn't done) so that the steering wheel and wheels are both straight but i still have the turning issue.

    worse yet when I am on the highway any kind of left turn gives me a vibration, although that may be a wheel bearing going, I'm not sure yet. But it make driving the car feel unsafe.

    The only other thing I can think of is that the mount for the rack and pinion on the UMI k-frame was welded in the wrong spot, but those things are made on a jig so I'd be surprised if that is the issue.

    Can anyone please offer some ideas on what this might be? I'm at my wits end with the problem. Also if someone has a shot of the steering rack area on the underside of their cars I might be able to use it to compare to the position of mine.

    Thanks
    The Chevy Camaro was built with a single purpose in mind which it executes flawlessly...Going very very fast in a straight line until your hair catches on fire.


    Tags: area, back, bit, car, cars, crash, drivers, figured, find, guys, hey, ideas, issue, left, mount, problem, problems, shop, side, thinking, time, umi, wheel, wheels, years
  • #2
    steering knuckle bent?
    1998 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 - 6 Speed

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    • #3
      Did you have it aligned? If so they should have checked toe out on turns. Cradle could also be out of alignment.
      Last edited by Boost Addict; March 21st, 2012, 05:48 AM.
      2015 Silverado

      Originally posted by JoeliusZ28
      If you need 6 and half grand to break your tires loose you shouldnt be attempting a holeshot.

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      • #4
        It seems that when they replaced the a arm then aligned the steering they should have first centered the rack then installed tie rod end to set wheels straight and finally make steering wheel straight.
        Its possible that the inner tie rod is bent as well.
        Last edited by 98blackbeauty; March 21st, 2012, 06:07 AM.
        sigpic
        1998 Trans Am Convertible A4 - WS6 hood, WS6 air lid, WS6 rims, drilled/slotted rotors.

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        • #5
          Originally posted by Plum Nuts View Post
          It seems that when they replaced the a arm then aligned the steering they should have first centered the rack then installed tie rod end to set wheels straight and finally make steering wheel straight.
          Its possible that the inner tie rod is bent as well.
          Most replacement racks come with the inner tie rod end. Maybe the strut is bent. A goo alignment guy should have seen what is bent.

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          • #6
            Yeah the rack came with new inner tie rods, that's one of the reason I was kinda irritated the guy installing the rack cut one of the inner's but he's a buddy of mine so I let it go. The steering knuckle is something to think about. Now when you say Cradle, what are you talking about?
            The Chevy Camaro was built with a single purpose in mind which it executes flawlessly...Going very very fast in a straight line until your hair catches on fire.


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            • #7
              100% bent knuckle. Bent one on both my 93 and 98 Saturn. The geometry gets screwed up causing all sorts of problems when it's on the rack.

              1998 Camaro Z28 - Bright Red, 6.0 TR224, 4l60e, 3.42 Eaton TrueTrac
              1989 Camaro IROC-Z Convertible - 355 big tube TPI, WC T5, 3.42 Zexel Torsen, CTS-V/C4 brakes
              1955 Bel Air 2 Door Post - 357 TPI, Muncie M20, 4 wheel disc

              2006 Saab 9-7x 5.3i Daily Driver

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              • #8
                Well it looks like I also need to get a new set of lowering springs and shocks, I put those IAS edlebrock coilovers on the front and by the time I realized they were sitting way too low the height adjusters seized and it looks like the knuckle is hitting the headers. I know it sounds stupid but I replaced so many parts at once I couldn't figure out what my issue was. That doesn't explain the steering though, just the rough spots in the wheel, I'll definitely look into the steering knuckle for the steering issue though.
                The Chevy Camaro was built with a single purpose in mind which it executes flawlessly...Going very very fast in a straight line until your hair catches on fire.


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                • #9
                  Originally posted by hoogiesngrinderz View Post
                  100% bent knuckle. Bent one on both my 93 and 98 Saturn. The geometry gets screwed up causing all sorts of problems when it's on the rack.
                  Hey I wanted to make sure I understand what your saying, your talking about the knuckle on the steering column that attaches to the rack right? Not the spindle. I know that sounds like a dumb question but all my google searches for steering knuckles keeps pulling up spindles for some reason.
                  The Chevy Camaro was built with a single purpose in mind which it executes flawlessly...Going very very fast in a straight line until your hair catches on fire.


                  Comment

                  • #10
                    Originally posted by hoogiesngrinderz View Post
                    100% bent knuckle. Bent one on both my 93 and 98 Saturn. The geometry gets screwed up causing all sorts of problems when it's on the rack.
                    I finally got the car up in the air and sure enough you were right, the drivers side knuckle is bent, as soon as I pick up my springs and shocks, that thing is coming out. Thanks again for helping me figure out an issue I've been dealing with for about 3 years.
                    The Chevy Camaro was built with a single purpose in mind which it executes flawlessly...Going very very fast in a straight line until your hair catches on fire.


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