[Benzoid123]

I finally decided--despite the current economic circumstances-- to just go ahead and finally get the front end worked on plus a few other problems. This is what I bought and was installed:


Control Arm & Ball Joint Assembly; Front Upper Left (right one already replaced)
Control Arm Bushing; Front Upper Outer Left/Right; Sway Bar to Upper Arms
Diesel Shutoff Solenoid/Valve
Diesel Shutoff Solenoid/Valve; Gasket at Vacuum Control Shutoff Valve
Drag Link/Center Link; Center Tie Rod Assembly
Idler Arm Repair Kit
Steering Damper
Tie Rod Assembly; Left/Right
Front-end allignment

The issue is that the steering is now heavy, especially when spinning the wheel clockwise. I'm thinking it's probably because of the new steering damper being new and tight. No? Before all this was done you could turn the wheel with your little finger with a chili dog in one hand and a large coke in the other but back then the bushings and all were all worn-out and I'm sure the damper was toast. I really only notice it when I'm turning the wheel at lower speeds or no speed at all. Should I go back to the shop and ask them what's the deal-io or see if it gets better over time?

Benzoid

 

[diametricalbenz]

Did they refill the power steering pump? The damper should only dampen the suspension vibrations.

 

[winmutt]

These cars were not designed to be driven with a coke and a dog in hand.

.....
Over-torqued idler arm bushing?

 

[::matthew]

These cars were not designed to be driven with a coke and a dog in hand.

.....
Over-torqued idler arm bushing?

yeah, put the coke in the cupholder...oh, wait

 

[C_R]

When I saw the title, I thought you had some surgery and got some serious side affects. LOL And I was willing to provide you with free medical advice too! LOL

 

[Benzoid123]

The coke and hotdog comment was only added as an exaggeration about how easy it used to be to turn the wheel. I have a drink holder and with a big golden retriever usually sitting behind me, a hotdog would be a terrible idea! You could pull that off if you owned a "Knight rider" KITT car (any 80's fans out there?).

I'll bring it back to the shop tomorrow and see what they think. Test drives mean nothing to these folks unfortunately. I'll let you know as details come in.

 

[Benzoid123]

Did they refill the power steering pump? The damper should only dampen the suspension vibrations.

Yes, I checked the fluids and it was full. I wonder if air can get into the lines?

 

[MBeige]

Yes, I checked the fluids and it was full. I wonder if air can get into the lines?

Turning it lock to lock should (if I remember correctly) bleed the P/S hoses of any air...with the engine on of course

 

[Benzoid123]

Hmm well I've driven it two days now and nothing seems to have changed. I'll spin the wheel around tomorrow and see what happens. Then again I'll still go by the shop and ask them what the hell they did to it! I just need that fuel sender and the car will be tolerable again. Man this thing has had a lot of issues for both Curtis and myself.

 

[Benzoid123]

Mechanic says the tightness is due to the brand-new steering dampner which should lighten up as it breaks in a bit. He says nothing else they did had anything to do with the tightness in the wheel. I'm thinking he's probably right. We'll see...

 

[DeliveryValve]

After fully rebuilding my front suspension, the steering also felt heavy. Don't remember if it was heavy in any one direction, but it did lighten up after a month or so driving it.