steering problems

[Dart183]

I have a Canadian 66 Plymouth Valiant Signetaka ( Dart GT) 2 door hard top V8 auto with power steering. The problem that I Have is that the car squeeeeeeeelllllllls going around a corner at any speed. I had it to an alignment shop ( four times) and they said it is aligned up Perfect. I want to know WHAT THE **** is wrong .

 

[RedFish]

squeeel as in tire squeel ? Polyglass tires ? Suregrip rear end ?

 

[n00blike]

Have you changed out the power steering pump belt and toped off the fluid?

My brother's 72 duster does that when its low on PS fluid.

 

[6pk2goDemon]

Take a close look at both pins that connect the lower control arm to the crossmember. You need to look closely at the back side of the control arm where the pin goes thru and make sure that the sleeve is still welded to the control arm. If this weld is broken the alignment will shift constantly when you drive and even more severe in turns.

 

[Dart183]

all the front end was replaced with new componets and the frame was all checked out an eveything looks good. but i still get a tire squeel going around corners

 

[Dart183]

yes it is a tire squeel . it sounds like it is comming from the front tires. the tires are raidials. the car dosen't have a suregrip axle.

 

[2 Darts]

Sounds like underinflated front tires. Have changed to a tire size not covered by the inflation recommendations? Try inflating to max pressure and see if it cures problem. If so, reduce in 3-5 psi increments until it starts again. Watch carefully for increased wear on the tread. If wear on center, it's overinflated and you'll have to live with squeel (sic). Use the current air pressure. If wear on shoulders, the tire can take a bit more air. Hope it helps.

 

[Dart183]

sorry about getting back to you for so long . but the tires are already at 35 psi there dosen't appear to be any abnormal tire wear(on the front that is) but the squeel is still there. I took the car back to the alignment center and he made some adjustments (again) and told me to look elsewhere for my problem. possibly the pump or the box.

 

[6pk2goDemon]

If you want to be sure it's not the power steering, just pull the p/s belt and drive it again. Process of elimination........

Are you sure it's not the rear tires squealing....C'mon you can tell us the truth....It is a Mopar.....LOL

Good luck and welcome back.

 

[Dart183]

I'm pretty sure it is not the rear tires. Because the car has crap gears in the rear. (293s ) I did remove the belt and the squeel is still there.

 

[6pk2goDemon]

If you have removed the belt for the power steering and squeal is still there, you have eliminated that as a possibility.

Check the level on your center link...it needs to be close to level from idler arm to pitman arm with your tires pointing straight. If not, it could be a "toe out on turn" problem.

Good luck...hate chasing those Gremlins...urrrrr

 

[Dart183]

the center link looks pretty level . I was told by a neighbor that I should try a wider set of rims on the front. Since the front rims are original and are only 5 1/2 " wide they may not like the radials. maybe????

 

[6pk2goDemon]

Radial tires are much more forgiving than the old bias ply tires. What is the max tire pressure that is "printed" on the sidewall of the tires you have?

At this point, process of elimination again comes into play....

Can you rotate the tires or borrow a pair of wheels/tires and drive again?

Keep working on it and continue to ask questions.....:cheers:

 

[Dart183]

the tires are 205/ 70 R14 and the tires say on the side max 35psi which they are currently at. Unfortunately I cannot rotate the tires from front to rear because of two different bolt patterns ( small on front big bolt on rear because of the 8 1/4 rear)

 

[6pk2goDemon]

Max pressure...35 good

Here is another thing to visually check. Make sure the outer tie rods are angled about the same from side to side.

Also do you have a friend with a pair of SBP wheels and tires you could just try on a road test?

Trying my best to help. Very hard from a distance....LOL :toothy10:

 

[Dart183]

I do know someone else who has a 65 dart but he only has 13" rims. Other than that I'm out of luck

 

[6pk2goDemon]

I do know someone else who has a 65 dart but he only has 13" rims. Other than that I'm out of luck

Where are you located. FABO is a BIG family........8)

Maybe someone near you could lend a hand with a pair of 14" SBP's ?

 

[Dart183]

I found a set of small bolt rallye s 14". they look great on the car but didn't solve the squeel.
I was talking to another car guy and he told me to take the car to another alignment shop(one that had older equipment) . So I did and they said that they had to tweek the alignment a bit and it got rid of the squeel. but i forgot to ask them what they tweeked but any ways it's FIXED .