Tom

Tom,

Q I just bought a used ‘96 Chevy Sport Van G-30. I knew the front end

needed some work, so I took it to my mechanic. The idler arm and sway arm
bushings were bad, so he replaced them and aligned the front end. The
settings are within the specs, but the van doesn’t drive well. I have to keep
sawing the wheel to keep it on the road. It feels like it still has loose parts,
but I know it doesn’t. My mechanic and I have talked about the problem, and
he has moved the settings around a few times, but it hasn’t solved the
problem. What do you think is wrong? Thanks for any help you can offer.

Brian—Peoria,   Illinois

Brian,

A Have your technician check the steering box. It sounds like the box is

loose, either internally or externally. The external mounting bolts can loosen
due to vibration, which would cause the steering box to flop around when the
steering wheel is turned right or left. If the steering box is secure, then there
is a gear adjustment that can be done internally to take up slop if it is found
to be loose internally. Also check the small joint at the bottom of the steering
shaft where it connects to the steering box. It could be loose. Finally, check
the tire pressure; low tire pressure will cause wandering also.