1967 coupe steering issues

[tlindsey18]

I was driving today (first time since I bought this car) and the car would not make a left hand U turn, had a real huge turning radius. Did fine to the right. I have done a ton of work on this car after purchasing it in terrible condition, mainly just putting things back on it and back together. It is a 351C with power steering. I did have to reassemble the power steering (pump and hoses), it was all in the trunk when I bought the car.

 

[robbz28]

When you put new components on these old mustangs you have to make sure you purge the lines when you fill it with fluid. You do this by adding fluid, then turning the wheel lock to lock (makes it easier if you have the front wheels in the air). Then add more fluid and turn the wheels...Also the control valve is adjustable, it might not be engaging fully when you do a left turn (but it should turn fine, just would be harder it seems) Welcome to the fun world of control valve power steering!

 

[tlindsey18]

Could it be the type of fluid I'm using? PS fluid verses type F?

 

[robbz28]

Could...i have heard mixed things about using various fluids, some say never hurt their system, but i know that type F trans fluid is supposed to be used, it handles the heat better I believe, and maybe thats what happened, you had some foaming or something happen perhaps...

 

[rnrjunkie]

You should definately be using Type F. Normal brake fluid is too thin for the pump to move properly.

 

[DailyDriver_68]

The problem could be that the steering box wasn't centered when the pitman arm was attached. If this happens, steering travel will be limited to the stops inside of the box instead of the steering linkage stops. This results in a reduced turning radius in one direction. The other direction will have the normal turning radius.

Might be worth checking.

 

[jcode68]

Check the hoses where they connect to the control valve. When I replaced mine a couple of years ago, I thought I had them back in properly, but there was some interference when turning the wheel to one side, it was hitting the metal part of one of the hoses preventing the wheel from turning to it's potential. Bet a nickel this is your problem. Best way to tell is to get a buddy to turn the wheel while you look underneath to see if it is hitting. Just be careful he doesn't throw it into drive and run you over

 

[zigmont]

My son had a similar problem with his 66 coupe. The problem was that the steering was not centered. To correct the issue, we jacked the front wheels off the ground. Next, we turned the steering wheel all the way to the right and then back to the left and counted the number of turns. We then turned back to the right exactlt 1/2 the number of turns to center the steering box. We then looked at the front wheels and noted that they were not pointing straight ahead. We adjusted the left tie rod sleeve until the left wheel was pointing straight ahead, using the string method. We then turned the right tie rod sleeve exactly the same number of turns to point the right wheel straight. Since we turned both sleeves exactly the same amount, the toe in was not changed. On top of that, even though the steering box was centered, the steering wheel was off to the right almost 30 degrees.
When we were absolutely sure the steering box centered, we removed the steering wheel and put it on straight.
It took about two hours to make the changes, but it totally fixed the problem. The turn radius is now the same in both directions.

 

[chockostang]

I was driving today (first time since I bought this car) and the car would not make a left hand U turn, had a real huge turning radius. Did fine to the right. I have done a ton of work on this car after purchasing it in terrible condition, mainly just putting things back on it and back together. It is a 351C with power steering. I did have to reassemble the power steering (pump and hoses), it was all in the trunk when I bought the car.

Just a few things to check.

Make sure the centerlink is a 67 68 Mustang/Cougar. Fairlane, Granada, Torino, Mavericks are different and won't have equal turns.

As stated prior to this, Center the steering wheel to check. Count total number of turns from left to right, turn half this to center steering wheel. This should put wheels/tire straight forward. If not the settings are wrong, or alignment.

Hard to explain, but we have see folk actually grind off the blanks in the pitman, and sector to reposition the pitman??? Yes, usually due to Force fitting now stock Mustang Steering (Granada-Fairlane-Maverick, etc)

Steering stops??? Don't think it will do as you stated, but check both sides to be same.

One more, Prior owner decided to rebuild his steering box, reassembled, and positioned the sector one tooth off to the Block, these aways are fun.

Then Granada brakes, with parts pieces cobbled together. Yes you just bought car, and you might have a Money Maker for the seller by fitting non stock, correct parts. These types are real fun 10 years from now trying to fit their Cobbled messes.

Dan @

Chockostang