INHERENT PROBLEM / stiff steering (solved)

[flukecapecod]

For months now I have been scrutinizing what is causing my steering to become very stiff... thinking it was;

1) stretched serpentine belt
2) bad impellar in power steering pump
3) bad, Rack & Pinion
4) something bent, dented or damaged in steering
5) clogged feed hose coming from power steering resevior
6) a switch or valve in the variable-assist power steering
a)Internal Hydraulic Control Valve ?
b)DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) ?
c)YAW Sensor (Rotational Rate Sensor(RPMs))?
d) Speed Sensor ?
e) Sport Switch ?
f) ABS/ ASC throttle Position Signal

If I ha just went ahead and changed the power steering pump as I so much thought that was the problem that would have cost me $500.00 plus my time or send it to a mechanic and add another $500.00 for their labor.

Onc that had been changed we would have realized that that did not fix the problem so it would have come to changing the rack and pinion system and whats that another $1,500 or so.

and that would have fixed the problem .....BUT THE PROBLEM WAS ONLY A MATTER OF LUBRICATING THE STEERING COLUMN WHERE IT CONNECTS THE THE STEERING BOX...... costing me about $5.00(and 4 months thinking time) in a good penetrating oil and then topped it off with some spray molyebdeum grease and a little of my old motor oil.

INHERENT PROBLEM ... RUBBER GREASE CAP ....at the bottom of the steering column where it connects to the steering box. If you lift up this rubber cap and add a lubricant that can squeeze and seep itself in and around the shaft coming out of the steering box the problem will be solved.

No you don't need a new serpentine belt, power steering pump or rack and pinion, you only need to add a new fresh supply of lubrication at this somewhat exposed connection.


I expect this problem to occur in all our cars seeing that its a vulnerable spot for loosing the lubrication

motor oil is what I am going back and using as a finishing coat then maybe some thinned out wheel bearing grease as a protective covering and then slide the rubber grease cap back inplace over it and presume it will be fine for anothe decade or so.

[emerzen]

Thanks for the tip. Easy maintenance to do regardless of steering stiffness.

Here's one -- wanted to get a short shift kit, but got a personal nardi "brio" instead. 80 bucks, 20 minutes, and my shifts feel much, much better. (Only works if your not a big fan of the illuminated shift knob).

[flukecapecod]

tell me a little more about this short shifter you bought..I am not familiar with it at all.. and I sure do get annoyed when I am put to the test by someone wanting to race me at the get-go and I miss the shift... almost every damn time, when under preassure, by going into fifth versus third.

no other time does this happen, like the time a 1968 (mint) 396 C.I. Chevy Malibu was infront of me as we were getting onto the highway. He hoped on it and I managed to stay right tight on his [Oops!] and then bam I mis third and went to fifth.

thank god I recoovered the shift and managed to stay with him until he backed off at 85mph. but my little 2.8 Coupe did pretty damn well and the other driver had a big smile on his face as I went by him and he waved to me.( and I returned the wave, of course)

[emerzen]

http://www.google.com/products?complete=0&hl=en&source=hp&q=personal+bri o+shift+knob&um=1&ie=UTF-8&ei=chb3SsyVKovP8QbC_IT0CQ&sa=X&oi=product_result _group&ct=image&resnum=1&ved=0CBAQzAMwAA

What I liked about this upgrade is that it is not a short shift kit. The knob itself sits further down the shift shaft. A good 1 to an 1 1/2.

I am guessing in the OEM, the lit knob has to have space for the light to sit under the knob.

The end result is a shorter shift throw. You could still toss it into 5th instead of 3rd, but I do find the feel is much better than with the stock knob.

I think it looks better, too.

Cheers

ps. Also, if you are working in hurry, you may want to take a look at setting up your clutch stop and getting rid of the CDV valve (I think those are the letters...) -- if you haven't already. This made a big difference for me.

[flukecapecod]

[emerzen]

the brio pics came from a google search. the link should have taken you there. I bought my shift knob from Crowders. Leather Z may have a ZHP shift knob, but I don't know if this sits as low as the brio.