[grandamle91]

I cranked up my torsion bars to stop the rubbing and now there's about 2 inches of play in steering. when i hit a bump the the van will start going in a different way, with the van on the ground and steering wheel locked, i can turn the wheels about 2inches in both ways.

90 Chevy Astro AWD

 

[astro355]

Hello,
did you give it an alignment yet?

 

[grandamle91]

3 Shops Said There's No Adjustments Needed, They Just said Lower It Back Down

 

[astro355]

If no adjustments were needed, why would they tell you to lower it back down? Anytime you change any of the suspension, you need to also adjust the alignment.

 

[grandamle91]

that's what i said and they said there computer said they were straight no adjustment needed, so i asked them why the hell is there so much play in the wheels, and they said its because when you lift a truck it puts the steering arms at a angle. i dont know i didn't see much of a different in the angle

 

[astro355]

The shop is right when they said it changes the angles. And that's exactly why you would need another alignment done. Simply using a computerized alignment rack and making sure the specs are in the green will not be enough. What you would need to do is figure out how much of a difference you have in the toe between your normal stance under vehicle weight and then do it when the suspension is under stress. Then you would set the alignment according to those differences.

You have to remember that the factory settings in those alignment racks will only work for a stock suspension.

 

[grandamle91]

i lowed the front back to specs and took it back and they said they were perfect 64inches on the front of the tire and 64inches on the back, so they backed it out, it back up drove back in and now its 60inches front and back

 

[astro355]

So did you see how they measured the 64"?

Something had to change. Either the van is sitting different, the camber changed (evenly?), something.

 

[grandamle91]

they said the camber and toe were good, they its not the Alignment it something to do with steering rack

 

[astro355]

You have rack and pinion on your van? Or were you just referring to your steering setup?

Anyways, the steering linkages control the toe. If when they measured the toe and it was 64" front and back and then when you measured it, you came up with 60 inches, that is a huge difference. Something had to change for you to lose 4" from your total toe. It has to be an alignment issue. You didn't have the problem before you changed the springs and I'm assuming that the free play went away when you changed it back. Is my assumption correct?

 

[ihatemybike]

2", you mean when you turn the steering wheel before the wheels turn? If so your steering box could be going bad. Green's was like that when I bought it. Lift the front of the van, open the hood, and watch the pitman arm as someone else rocks the wheel back and forth over those 2". If the pitman doesn't move the box is worn and should be rebuilt or replaced.

 

[Gary]

Guys I don't like the fact of as the op says 2 inches of play lifted or not.If the op can't find the slop and he has taken to a shop who can't find it either-then take it to a shop who can find the loose/worn parts.Don't mean to be blunt,but this isn't something to fool around with.

 

[grandamle91]

Well Guys\Girls good news i think i found the problem, when i lowered it back down and drove to work today i noticed there is a little bit of play, so when i got back home i jacked it up and put it up on stands, with the steering wheel locked i grab the wheel and tried to turn it and guess what part went up and hit the frame (Look At Pics) So Time To Buy New Parts

 

[astro355]

Yep, those are the angles he was talking about. Anyways, did they look for worn parts before they checked the alignment?

 

[grandamle91]

they said that the ider arms are a little worn not bad, but enough to make the wheels move a little without moving the steering wheel so i guess i'll be replace them sometime. what could i do about the angles?

 

[Gary]

The general consensus is Moog steering parts last longer on these vans which are hard on them.If it where me,I wouldn't put off repairing it for very long.

 

[grandamle91]

for the price they cost have have to till tax refund gets here

 

[doyoulikeithere]

I has similar probs with my 95 awd after i raised with the torsion bars.
However, I found that my idler arms and tie rod ends are questionable.

Have you looked at those?

 

[grandamle91]

I has similar probs with my 95 awd after i raised with the torsion bars.
However, I found that my idler arms and tie rod ends are questionable.

Have you looked at those?

ya that what i was showing in the pictures, , there a pretty penny for both

 

[doyoulikeithere]

remember it pays to shop around if you have the time, eh?