ZL1 Accident, Repair, and Recurring Steering Problems - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

rogerspt · 01-16-2017, 09:05 AM

Hi there,

I had a minor accident in my ZL1 last spring and am still having issues with my steering. Hopefully someone here can help out.

The story is: I got loose around a curve (unintentionally, to be honest) at 35-40 mph, made curb contact with my left front tire/wheel, hopped said curb with minor curb rash on the sub-frame, went down a slight embankment, and went back up a small hill to post up on a curb in a parking lot.

After 4 shops, 3 months in the shop, numerous trips to pick up the car with disappointment due to additional damage from shops, I finally got my car back with as much repaired correctly as possible. All the body work is complete with new wheels, new tires, new engine sub-frame, new torsion bar and end links, and a new left front shock tower to finish the package.

The problem still remaining is that--though the car holds an alignment (as verified many times)--after you complete a turn or lane-change maneuver, the steering is slightly biased to the direction in which you turned the wheel. The result from this is that after you turn and begin traveling with the steering wheel "straight" again, the car begins to drift to the side. Furthermore, this weird phenomenon can be temporarily corrected by completing a turn or quick jerk of the steering wheel in the opposite direction. Finally, the steering itself is still a bit soft to the touch, almost like it is driving a truck or SUV. It's like it is not nearly as responsive as it used to be.

With all that said...Can anyone provide guidance with this? I spoke with the local Chevy dealership service manager on Saturday and he said the best they can offer is time to diagnose problems--which you all know is not inexpensive.

Thanks for any help that comes this way! Below are some pictures for your enjoyment.

ZL1 TIBS · 01-16-2017, 12:00 PM

Have you checked for play in the coupler between the steering wheel and steering box?

KaBoom1701 · 01-16-2017, 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZL1 TIBS

Have you checked for play in the coupler between the steering wheel and steering box?

+ 1

This would be my guess as well.

ZO6 Bryan · 01-16-2017, 07:07 PM

Have you checked the rear suspension for damage? Something loose back there or bent could cause the same issues.

STUNNAH · 01-16-2017, 10:10 PM

Do you know if one of the shops but the car in relearn mode for the new tires and rims...Stretching with that question but could be...

01-16-2017, 09:05 AM	#1
rogerspt Drives: 1995 Black Chevrolet Camaro Z28 Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: South Carolina Posts: 43 View My Garage	ZL1 Accident, Repair, and Recurring Steering Problems Hi there, I had a minor accident in my ZL1 last spring and am still having issues with my steering. Hopefully someone here can help out. The story is: I got loose around a curve (unintentionally, to be honest) at 35-40 mph, made curb contact with my left front tire/wheel, hopped said curb with minor curb rash on the sub-frame, went down a slight embankment, and went back up a small hill to post up on a curb in a parking lot. After 4 shops, 3 months in the shop, numerous trips to pick up the car with disappointment due to additional damage from shops, I finally got my car back with as much repaired correctly as possible. All the body work is complete with new wheels, new tires, new engine sub-frame, new torsion bar and end links, and a new left front shock tower to finish the package. The problem still remaining is that--though the car holds an alignment (as verified many times)--after you complete a turn or lane-change maneuver, the steering is slightly biased to the direction in which you turned the wheel. The result from this is that after you turn and begin traveling with the steering wheel "straight" again, the car begins to drift to the side. Furthermore, this weird phenomenon can be temporarily corrected by completing a turn or quick jerk of the steering wheel in the opposite direction. Finally, the steering itself is still a bit soft to the touch, almost like it is driving a truck or SUV. It's like it is not nearly as responsive as it used to be. With all that said...Can anyone provide guidance with this? I spoke with the local Chevy dealership service manager on Saturday and he said the best they can offer is time to diagnose problems--which you all know is not inexpensive. Thanks for any help that comes this way! Below are some pictures for your enjoyment. Attached Images

01-16-2017, 07:07 PM	#4
ZO6 Bryan Drives: 02 Z06, 95 Trans Am, 2012 ZL1 Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Southeast Posts: 1,838 View My Garage	Have you checked the rear suspension for damage? Something loose back there or bent could cause the same issues. __________________ Bryan 2018 ZL1 M6

01-16-2017, 10:10 PM	#5
STUNNAH "BEASTM*DE" Drives: 2013 ZL1 Black Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Tennessee Posts: 1,655 View My Garage	Do you know if one of the shops but the car in relearn mode for the new tires and rims...Stretching with that question but could be... __________________ Vengeance Racing Stage 1 Kit 575rwhp, 569 rwtq... Rims powder coated gloss black...BFG'S Comp 2 A/S... Dual 10" Kicker Comp S Subs 1200w...

01-16-2017, 12:00 PM	#2
ZL1 TIBS Drives: 1968 Camaro, 2012 ZL1 Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Aston, PA Posts: 398	Have you checked for play in the coupler between the steering wheel and steering box?