Expert: Brad Sears - 3/11/2008

Question
QUESTION: I have 67 mustang coupe with stock power steering. I can't seem to get the steering to free up and self center. I had the front end shop look at and they said it was off just a little but they couldn't do anything with it until I could get it to free up and self center. I thought it could be caster but the front end guy said that was fine.
Does he just not know these cars well enough, or is there something else I should check and fix?
I hope you can help. I've been trying to fix this for a year!

ANSWER: Question:
When you are going down a straight road is the steering wheel straight or is it off to one side?

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: The steering spokes are off to one side, but I have tried to adjust that by adjusting the tie rod ends and it makes not difference in how the car drives. With other things I've done, it is now back to being off to one side.
Ideas?

ANSWER: More questions if you will. have you replaced any parts in the steering suspension system like the idler arm or tie rod ends or pitman arm?

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I have replaced the idler arm, but it seems to be free or loose enough. I have replaced the PS control valve and tried several different adjustments on gear box with no success. That's all I've done so far.

Answer
Is the idler arm the rubber loaded type? If so, when the idler arm is installed the steering wheel needs to be straight ahead when the arm attaching nuts are tighten. If the wheels are cut to the right or left you will build a lead to the right or left into the car. Let me know if this is the case if not we will go to step two.
Brad