More advice on my 1968 Olds 442

Cryoman
Sat, 06 Feb 2021 14:32:43 +0000
Maintenance/Repairs

It has been a while since I posted about my car. I have done a lot to it, including a full engine and transmission rebuild, some suspension work, new fuel lines, and lots of other small repairs.

One thing I’d like to ask about is in regards to the steering. As many of you surely know, it has the old GM power steering, which is very loose (little resistance, which is nice in a certain sense). However, it seems a bit too loose for comfort sometimes. When moving the components with the engine off, it does not seem to have any play in the linkage, including the universal knuckle in the steering shaft. I suspect that the issue is in the steering box, and it may just be the way the system was designed. There are no fluid leaks. I can move the steering wheel about 3-4 degrees (estimate) in each direction without any response from the steering, which makes me feel like I have less control than I would like.

I’m wondering if people think that just replacing the steering box will solve this issue, and also if there are any specific technical specs that I should consider when replacing the unit.

Thanks for your advice and stay safe and healthy.

Cryoman (Steve)

10 posts - 9 participants