Issues with it being hard to turn right or left after header install
Thread Starter
TECH Senior Member
iTrader: (27)
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 9,728
Likes: 13
From: Jefferson City, MO
Issues with it being hard to turn right or left after header install Anyone know what might be going on? When I turn right or left, it's like there is some kind of hitch and it's like I don't have power steering. I really have to fight the car to get it to turn. Only started doing this after header install. Any help would be great.
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: Toledo area of Ohio
Did you remove the steering shaft to install the headers?
If so, is it back in the same way?
Check for interference with the shaft like this:
Turn your wheel all the way to left lock and take a look at the shaft to see if there is interference. Then do the same turning the wheel to the right.
If so, is it back in the same way?
Check for interference with the shaft like this:
Turn your wheel all the way to left lock and take a look at the shaft to see if there is interference. Then do the same turning the wheel to the right.
Thread Starter
TECH Senior Member
iTrader: (27)
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 9,728
Likes: 13
From: Jefferson City, MO
Did you remove the steering shaft to install the headers?
If so, is it back in the same way?
Check for interference with the shaft like this:
Turn your wheel all the way to left lock and take a look at the shaft to see if there is interference. Then do the same turning the wheel to the right.
If so, is it back in the same way?
Check for interference with the shaft like this:
Turn your wheel all the way to left lock and take a look at the shaft to see if there is interference. Then do the same turning the wheel to the right.
When I look for interference, do I just look directly under the car where the headers are at? If there is interference, will it be very noticible? Also, if that is what it is, is it an easy fix?
Last edited by Rise of the Phoenix; Sep 7, 2011 at 10:17 AM.
You'll be able to see any interference from the top...just jack the front of the car up so the front wheels are off the ground. Unlock the steering column and have a buddy turn it back and forth.
If the linkage is hitting the headers, the fix is to get a set of headers that fit properly. It really just depends on how bad the interference is...
Removing the steering linkage to install headers is pretty common...it makes it much easier to fish them into place on the drivers side.
If the linkage is hitting the headers, the fix is to get a set of headers that fit properly. It really just depends on how bad the interference is...
Removing the steering linkage to install headers is pretty common...it makes it much easier to fish them into place on the drivers side.
Trending Topics
LS1 Tech Stories
The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them
Pouria Savadkouei
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked
Pouria Savadkouei
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP
Verdad Gallardo
Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes
Verdad Gallardo
Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power
Verdad Gallardo
10 Camaros You Should Never Buy
10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die
Verdad Gallardo Thread Starter
TECH Senior Member
iTrader: (27)
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 9,728
Likes: 13
From: Jefferson City, MO
I looked last night and that is exactly what my problem is. What did you use to file off part of the knuckle on the steering linkage? Metal file?
TECH Enthusiast
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 513
Likes: 0
I had a shop do the install (I was like 17) and after I brought it back to have them check out the weird knocking I was feeling in the steering wheel, we realized the knuckle was rubbing the header. Then, he just took an electric grinder, one with a cone shaped head and grinded it down in like 5 seconds. Worst case scenario I'm sure you could just slowly grind it down with a file!
Just file for a few minutes, then start it up and turn the wheel; rinse and repeat until it clears
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: Toledo area of Ohio
A die grinder is the easiest to buzz a little off the nuckle. A file or any other type of metal abrasive will get the job done.
On some engine swap projects in the past I have dented the headers slightly for clearance. Probably won't help you with them already in the car, but you might do it on another project.
On some engine swap projects in the past I have dented the headers slightly for clearance. Probably won't help you with them already in the car, but you might do it on another project.
