I have a 67 Riviera and when going down the road at most speeds, I'm constantly adjusting the steering wheel from side to side to keep the car going straight. Back and forth back and forth, about every two seconds, even to keep it going straight. There is just enough play in the steering wheel to make me think that is a problem, but could it also be an alignment problem? Kind of stuck on what to mechanically attack next
First thing I would look at is the brake reaction rod bushings. Some people call them strut rod bushings. Wandering is a classic sign that theyre no good. I would also give the front end components a good look for play especially the idler arm and centerlink
Thank you, I'll look for that when I get home (two weeks), but off the top of your head do you know the cost of those?
Maybe $30-$40 for the set of Moog strut rod bushings. If the centerlink is no good, that get a little pricey, maybe $225
What Jason (buick64203) said. Make sure all the components are in good shape. Idler arm, tie rods, ball joints, etc. If those are not found lacking, look at the tires. Do they have odd wear patterns? Rotate them to the back and check how it acts. If tires and the above check out, check the steering box. If it has slack, you can adjust the steering sector preload to get some of the slop out. Finally, you can tune the alignment to help. Give it as much positive caster as they can safely match side to side. That will help it self center and track better.
I had an upper control arm shaft (driver's side) break on me. Not good. Pull back the dust covers on the tops of the coil spring seats on either side of the engine, and check the rubber bushings front & back of the upper control arm shafts. If the rubber looks worn, plan on changing them out...especially if you notice your front wheels appear to be cambered outwards. When I first got my Buick, I had my friend help install new lower ball-joints. I figured that would be the area of greatest concern. In reality, you gotta look at the whole picture to get the root cause of why something's going on. Play in the steering could be bad tie-rod ends, ball joints, reaction rod bushings, etc. Take it to a reputable front-end/frame shop...they'll be able to figure out what is needed. Don't get the reaction-rod bushing set from CARS...it is the wrong one. Go to a NAPA shop, they can find the right one.
