steering noise/issue

[batchman]

Humbly suggest it will probably be easier to spot the play with some load on the tires, in other words try checking before jacking it up.

Good luck,
- Jeff

[Johnny5]

Where can i buy a rag joint "hockey puck" version that the Z51 had? Anyone have part nimber for zr1 rag joint and the faster z51 rag joint "hockey puck" Is it direct replacement? And hiw hard is it to change? Other members claim there car always had some slop or lack of responsiveness in the steering but I'm hoping I find play in this joint so I can get better steering response.

[batchman]

I simply bought a used coupler of the rubber style. I do not know if this is on all non-ZR-1 C4s or just Z51. I was lucky to have another Z51 car in the fleet to compare to. Since the coupler is located differently on the ZR-1 (due to engine clearance) it is not the same assembly or a direct bolt up. I drilled the rivets out of both couplers and swapped the rag for the puck using bolts and nuts instead of rivets.

I was really glad my class rules allow interchange of any C4 part - I had to campaign to get that changed as at one time they "feared the beast". I found the quick rack so necessary that I worked on them for a year and got it through.

HTH,
- Jeff

[Johnny5]

I spoke to Marc Heibeck and he recommended checking the bolt that holds the rack and pinion together under the power steering pump first. He also said the pop sound is normal when you turn the wheel. I will update you later this week. If that is not it I will check that rag joint (although marc says they rarely go bad), and so on...

[Johnny5]

I think that is just the way these cars were made. I did not see any play when checking it with my brother/father and the everything looks to be in good shape. I heard people saying that is normal so young kids dont fly off the road at 175. I am going to drive a members car to be sure and see if it feels the same. I guess i am just kind of anal and want this thing to be running perfect.

[We Gone]

Out of 9 C4's 3 of them ZR-1's none has had play or any sounds from the steering. My 95 LT1 car does grown a bit when cold but than it has 200k on the original pump and rack & pinion goes away in about 30 sec after start.

[batchman]

Originally Posted by We Gone

Out of 9 C4's 3 of them ZR-1's none has had play or any sounds from the steering. My 95 LT1 car does grown a bit when cold but than it has 200k on the original pump and rack & pinion goes away in about 30 sec after start.

You might be able to help that groan with fresh synthetic fluid. I've had good luck with Ford Mercon V and the best I've found is Redline Synthetic Power Steering Fluid. Both have helped to cure sticky or notchy steering and are much more immune to temperature problems (autocross with big sticky slicks is hell for power steering).

Cheers,
- Jeff

[Johnny5]

It only makes a small noise when the car is not running and you turn the wheel I'm meeting up with a member in Jersey tomorrow to see if his car has the same steering. Im more concerned to see if other Zs have the same steering play. Its just an inch going straight if u rock the wheel back and forth.

[Johnny5]

After driving a members car (95Zr1) with only 16k miles it made the same noise with the car off and handles the same. Just a lil play at the top of the wheel. So I am pretty sure that is the way these cars are made. I think I was just trying to compare it to my brothers Z06. No issues with my car....Just cruising!!!!