Steering system questions

[georgeramos]

I am noticing my steering feeling much heavier at low speeds. There is still quite a bit of free play in the steering wheel but as im driving it starts to feel like "tension" is building up in one direction or the other. It feels like if I was to release the wheel the car would make a left or right on it's own. This does not actually happen of course but this is the symotom. If i let go the steering wheel does go left or right a little bit and the car ever so slightly as well. I am not sure what to check or where to begin as i have never really done much related to this system. I took it to an alignment shop and they said alignment was ok. They don't do steering work...

Thanks all

[MattVAS]

Your calipers might be dragging. Pull the caliper wedges and cleans and lube them, this might help that some.

And of course look at maintaining your steering box and steering idler. These parts rarely get anyones attention. The box needs GL5 as does the idler. The idler might be toast though and a steering box really isn't meant to last 30+ years. This is one of those odd things.... car has steering box = don't look at it/never replace it....... car has steering rack = replace/maintain it..... The latter of the two is actually correct for both.

[georgeramos]

I popped the cover off the idler and can't figure out how to get the plate out. I need to get under that to fill with oil correct? And it needs GL5, not GL1?

I do believe both parts are original to the car...it's a 71...

Maybe new ones are in order.
Thanks Matt.

[MattVAS]

Yes GL5.

Can you email me a pic of your idler? They did a couple different styles.

[georgeramos]

This issue just got weird. The steering was showing "tightness" as i mentioned so I parked the car with the intention of driving it to a different line up shop to see if I could get a better diagnosis. When I backed out of my driveway i heard a loud clunk...the idler box actually broke. The metal gave way and sheared off.

So has anyone ever seen that happen and what on earth might cause it?

Thanks

[DRUMMOND]

The good news is your problem has been solved!! the bad news is you need to buy a new idler!

Age and a bad seal which has let all the oil out, contributed to the death
You now have a choice of the old style with the oil or the dry bush style with no oil to worry about.

[DieselSpider]

The idler was binding from lack of oil and finally snapped from the stress. Be sure to check for any damage to the frame rail where it bolts through as sometimes you may find it deformed or cracked.

[georgeramos]

Thanks for the replies all.