Stopping steering wander

[SHELBY69 61]

So she wanders a bit on the highway sort of esses down the road. I just have to be alert & bring her back to center. Nothing crazy like my 1960 Eldorado which is terrifying at 60 mph. What can be done to tighten the steering to prevent wander ? Thanks.

[Midlife 814]

Get it aligned properly for radial tires, and if it still wanders, add more caster.  First, though, you need to thoroughly check out your front suspension and steering stuff for worn parts.

[ronandmelady 14]

I agree.  Check worn parts.  Mine was wandering when I would hit bumps, but all felt tight.  The lower control arm bushings were shot and changing geometry of steering with every bump.  Scary.  Also if steering wheel has a lot of play you can tighten steering box if that's where your play is.

 

[rwcstang 201]

 

 

[RPM 1,190]

Good advice so far. Toe OUT causes it to wander, especially when braking. Have you done the Shelby/Arning drop off the upper control arm mounts?  It's a great almost free mod that makes our cars handle much better. 

https://dazecars.com/dazed/drop.html

[TexasEd 188]

Mine was horrible before I replaced all the steering bushings and rebuilt the power steering system.  Also added a roller idler arm.  Did this at the same time I did the suspension and brakes.  Then used the shelby drop/radial tire alignment specs. You can get under the car and have someone turn the wheel to see where the slop is between the steering column shaft turning and the wheels moving.

Love it now.

[dcm0123 15]

Had a similar problem once-

If the play is within the control valve, pull the cap off the left end and readjust the lock nut.  Find the instruction online how to adjust the lock nut which will influence the preload within the valve.

 

 

[SHELBY69 61]

Thanks guys