PINTO CAR CLUB of AMERICA
Welcome to FordPinto.com, The home of the PCCA => General Help- Ask the Experts... => Topic started by: cutelitlputtputt on December 17, 2017, 11:15:24 PM
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Apparently I have been driving around with a bent steering column all these years. It was discovered a few years back when I had my steering tightened up. Have no idea how it happened. I did get hit in the back at a stop light years ago.
This is probably why all my rack and pinions get leaks. This current new one is leaking as well. I researched on line and found that a bent column does put pressure on one of the gaskets down in the nether regions.
My mechanic told me to get a good one. ??? I don't think he really knows what I need otherwise he would of clued me in on what to look for. ???
Auto Zone has nothing. I just ask if someone point me in the right direction!
My Pinto is an automatic with power steering
For right now I just need to know of the expense involved in a new column
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I'm curious,
Has the Mechanic actually inspected the "rag Joint coupler" that is between the Column shaft and the Rack pinion shaft? It would be a rare situation for the column to be actually bent, Unless the car was in a collision and the "collapse safety feature" caused the column bearings/ bushings to fail. Has the car been in a frontal collision at any time and been repaired? The increased effort is usually indicative of a bearing/bushing or lubrication failure because of the P/S pump.
Did the Horn stop working at the same time? Oh, I could go on , but the answer could be quite simple, but labor intensive.
I did my complete VW GTI Column rebuild and it was critical that all was absolutely perfect to get the effort and clearances on the column right.
Pintosopher, I won't Steer clear of a mystery... ;)
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https://www.facebook.com/groups/154914807971570/
Mark Tanquay has tons of parts...
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I agree with Pintosopher the actual steering column would be a hard thing to bend without collapsing half the car. And, even if it was bent the rag joint should remove a fair amount of any oddity that would cause excessive rack wear. The rag joint (generally with a short shaft) is an extension between the steering column and the steering rack. It typically has a universal joint on one or both ends and in between (the "rag" part) is a pliable rubber disc that couples the two ends. The rubber acts as a vibration absorber. The attached image is an example of (not actual Pinto) the rag joint and shaft. The "rag" part being the white fiber embedded rubber near the lower right hand corner.
I'm going to take a guess here and say the rag joint and its extending parts (shaft) is what the mechanic is calling the "steering column." In fact, it is an extension of it. I'm going to also guess that the "bent" aspect is a failed rag joint that would appear bent as it becomes a flopping joint.
OK, these are logical, reasonable guesses. But see what others have to say before running with this concept. It could be that the rag joint is good but the attaching rag joint shaft is bent. But that shaft is not the steering column. I have the oddball '73 steering rack and a hybrid 90's Mustang coupling rag joint to adapt the Turbo Coupe steering column to the '73 rack. So specifically what Ford used in 1980 is not known exactly to me.
Lastly if you can give a general location it would be helpful when looking for parts. A lot of people wouldn't reply if it involves shipping on their end..., but if local for pick up you have a better chance for replies.
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Never in my 45 years of buying / selling / racing Pinto's have I ever seen a steering column bent or even screwed up by the owner. Zero! Nada! The column is built like a tank. Wittsend has the right idea on your problem. Jennifer go see a real Pinto gearhead like Becky or Jack at 2.34me to tell / fix / your problem.
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Thank you all for your input. I am a total idiot regarding these matters.
I am going to start with the simplest first ..... rag joint. I will go and have that clarified on what is actually bent.
Something is wrong because all the rack and pinions get leaks.
There's always a reason why something keeps happening!! No matter the problem is in life, there is always a reason......
It just takes awhile to find the underlying problem whether the problem be a health issue, mechanical or construction - always a reason!!
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I may have to go to Los Angeles at some point in my bitty little life .....
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... I am a total idiot regarding these matters. ...
No! You are asking questions. That makes you smart!!!
Have the mechanic point out the problem, shoot a video of it with your phone and post it to You Tube. Just have the mechanic be specific and get close up shots so we can see. We all know what a Pinto looks like (don't need to see that). We don't need to see the mechanic, we DO need to see the part in question, and if the steering wheel can be turned to see the problem parts flaw that would be great. Close up of the defective part that is what we need to see. Sorry to make it a issue. I taught Television Production and the instructor in me is coming out.
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I may have to go to Los Angeles at some point in my bitty little life .....
No Life is Itty Bitty, and you are too well known here to fit that stereotype. Wittsend has you on the right path, and don't be surprised if the Rack still turns out to be a issue with that Pinion shaft poking out there when the units are Built or rebuilt. My GTI new rack had been dropped at least once on the shop floor and the Captive studs were knocked loose in the mount for the Trans shifter. I was livid as I had bought special tools to assemble the Tie rods to the new rack. Same issue when that company sent me a Bowed "new " radiator" . The quality control isn't there unless it's NOS for just about any brand. these days. Dick is right, those columns don't fail!
Pintosopher, Arrggh we're the righteous Scourge of the Corral
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Is that you Joe?
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Is that you Joe?
Yeah, I told Jenn I was a troll once, she agreed ;)
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As to a bent steering column, maybe the mechanic noticed that the steering column does not point straight back like most cars. It is aimed a little to the left as viewed from the driver's seat. I drove my 71 Pinto for years before a friend pointed this out.
As to a leaking R&P, as stated above rebuilds are not as good as they should be. It could also be a leaking hydraulic hose connection. When something leaks down there, the oil goes everywhere.
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No! You are asking questions. That makes you smart!!!
Have the mechanic point out the problem, shoot a video of it with your phone and post it to You Tube. Just have the mechanic be specific and get close up shots so we can see. We all know what a Pinto looks like (don't need to see that). We don't need to see the mechanic, we DO need to see the part in question, and if the steering wheel can be turned to see the problem parts flaw that would be great. Close up of the defective part that is what we need to see. Sorry to make it a issue. I taught Television Production and the instructor in me is coming out.
Well, this particular case, we do need to see the mechanic!
In hot weather ... he does wear a muscle shirt sometimes!! Capture the moment!!
All kidding aside (not really!), I do appreciate everyone's input here. I was told by 2 different people about my steering column. One was a Pinto guy! He as sinced moved away and not working at that other shop anymore.
I will be taking her back to the doctor because of other things. She is a forever patient.....Wh en she is on the rack I will take pictures. I don't have one of those cell phones like everyone else has, but I do have a camera!
Even my 82 year old boss is more modern than me. She has a fancy cell phone and pays bills on line!
Not me!!!
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Hmm, Muscle shirts and Mechanical proficiency.. I'm going to have to get pumped to rate this thread :o
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What I should do next time is grab a wrench out of the tool box and throw it on the ground ...
"Armando, look you dropped something!!"
what an ol' perv I am - muhahahaha! ;D
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What I should do next time is grab a wrench out of the tool box and throw it on the ground ...
"Armando, look you dropped something!!"
what an ol' perv I am - muhahahaha! ;D
Hmm Bent columns , Muscle shirts, Dropped wrenches, Libidous wenches, .... I'm in over my head :P
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I think your in over the other end of your body. You know, just below your belt. Is drop the wrench the same thing as drop the soap?
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I think your in over the other end of your body. You know, just below your belt. Is drop the wrench the same thing as drop the soap?
Which Cranium? Oops ! Lost mine for a moment, Oh wait ,that's my other personality that writes the Humor , or is it my repressed Racer with the Nomex hat? Drop the WENCH? Nahh not me , :o Soapy when at the Home front , Soupy when I have a cold! :D
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I think your in over the other end of your body. You know, just below your belt. Is drop the wrench the same thing as drop the soap?
Yes Dick, it's like dropping the soap ..... "Armando pick that up!!" Hehehehe!
Ok, it looks like he works out at the gym or somewhere!! He's young and cute. It doesn't hurt to look Right!
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Yes Dick, it's like dropping the soap ..... "Armando pick that up!!" Hehehehe!
Ok, it looks like he works out at the gym or somewhere!! He's young and cute. It doesn't hurt to look Right!
Didn't this thread start with something "bent?" ;D
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Jennifer I think you being taken over by the age old affection to race car drivers of the "red mist". Many a racer has met his doom because of it. Be careful of what you seek. A Pinto is so simple that any good wrench should be able to fix almost anything that could go wrong. Look for an old mechanic that worked on Pintos when they were new. Find the ones your dad used on his Pintos.
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Jennifer I think you being taken over by the age old affection to race car drivers of the "red mist". Many a racer has met his doom because of it. Be careful of what you seek. A Pinto is so simple that any good wrench should be able to fix almost anything that could go wrong. Look for an old mechanic that worked on Pintos when they were new. Find the ones your dad used on his Pintos.
I had the Red Mist once, Then I woke up and Found I had bought a RED Truck, Not a red Pinto... ;D
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Yes Dick, it's like dropping the soap ..... "Armando pick that up!!" Hehehehe!
Ok, it looks like he works out at the gym or somewhere!! He's young and cute. It doesn't hurt to look Right!
Be careful what you touch. You may come across as a rich sugar momma.
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Be careful what you touch. You may come across as a rich sugar momma.
She'll be packin Latex, No worries Dick! ;D
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It seems "cabin Fever" has set in and a few minds are being affected!
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Just good clean stuff to wake some people up. It seams to be working as the number of post has increased quite a bit. Every one of our members has a different reason to be on our web site. All we need to do is find that reason and go from there.
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Yes Dick, it's like dropping the soap ..... "Armando pick that up!!" Hehehehe!
Ok, it looks like he works out at the gym or somewhere!! He's young and cute. It doesn't hurt to look Right!
Your young and cute so go for it. Your only young once so they say. BTW I'm 83 and still look at the girls with that red mist in my eyes.
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She'll be packin Latex, No worries Dick! ;D
Ten fingers worth is the context... No rain coats in the Drought laden southland ;D
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Your young and cute so go for it. Your only young once so they say. BTW I'm 83 and still look at the girls with that red mist in my eyes.
I've always told my wife that if I stop looking, it will either mean that I've found someone or I'm dead!
Dwayne ;) ::) :o
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I've always told my wife that if I stop looking, it will either mean that I've found someone or I'm dead!
Dwayne ;) ::) :o
A Pair of Ducksical point of view from the Cave Man's perspective. And then the T Rex ate him! ;D
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It seems "cabin Fever" has set in and a few minds are being affected!
All this talk about soap, bent things, and rope has affected what's going on in my cabin!! I seem to have forgotten why I even started this thread ... :P
Hummm....I can't seem to recollect ...oh well....
....I do see fragrant bubbles in my future!
Champaign on ice ... - (sounds of cracklin ice and a pop from the cork)
rubber ducky - (loud, rapid squeekies in running water)
...........and alas, the infamous Soap on the Rope!
I think I have it all ... No ...
Wait, something appears to be missing.... ???
Let's see ... . . water-check ....
Fragrant bubbles - enough to put Lawrence Welk to shame -check
Champaign - (pops the cork) -check
Rubber Ducky - (happy squeaks) - check
Soap...Rope... yeah - check
Ohhhhh I know!!!!
the main dish is missing ....the boy toy!!! .... ;)
"Armando....Arm ando.. where are you .... Wanna come play with my Rubber Ducky!?" ;D
(happy squeaks under running water can now be heard!)
(...CLUNCK!!! ).... "Oh oh I seem to have dropped the soap Armando!" :-[
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Qvack Qvack... Armando wants his Ducks back.. And his Egyptian cotton towels... ;)
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Is Armando sure he really wants a used Rubber Duckie?
Especially after all that Christmas Cheer!
..........Sudd enly I have an urge to set sail for de Nile!!!!
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Is Armando sure he really wants a used Rubber Duckie?
Especially after all that Christmas Cheer!
..........Sudd enly I have an urge to set sail for de Nile!!!!
The River is wide, Armando is durable, The Duckie.... Well, it's flexible ;D The bubbles are in need of freshening, and the Soap could use some Hemp added.. ;D ;D :o Glub Glub.. Poooshh! a geyser! ;)
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If Armando does not want to play with my Rubber Duckie .... than can I play with his?!!
News Flash:
Late night for you Armando ... once again.
The Shop is long closed .... the street is dark and your Camaro is alone ... :(
Oh where are you Armando ... where are you?
Oh where do you go?
Are you perhaps with some other Hoe....? >:(
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If Armando does not want to play with my Rubber Duckie .... than can I play with his?!!
News Flash:
Late night for you Armando ... once again.
The Shop is long closed .... the street is dark and your Camaro is alone ... :(
Oh where are you Armando ... where are you?
Oh where do you go?
Are you perhaps with some other Hoe....? >:(
Armando wishes to turn the Soil, So he's out with a "tiller" and thatching the Turf! ;)
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Hmm, How did this thread get so "bent" on content? Peeps and hares on the Twinkies? The car below is sometimes referred to as a Twink :D But I'll get this Column Straight if it takes all month ;)
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You can't bend a chain don't you know? This post turned into rattling a chain long ago. Only way to fix it is by litigation or prison time for the guilty party. SAYLAVEE buckaroo. The word "Buckaroo" was used in Die Hard by Bruce Willis and Alan Rickman.
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You can't bend a chain don't you know? This post turned into rattling a chain long ago. Only way to fix it is by litigation or prison time for the guilty party. SAYLAVEE buckaroo. The word "Buckaroo" was used in Die Hard by Bruce Willis and Alan Rickman.
Chains can be used for binding things, Oops, that might excite the author of this thread... :o
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Hell it might excite me too! But remember that it takes two to Tango! Ho lay is the word.
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You can't bend a chain don't you know? This post turned into rattling a chain long ago. Only way to fix it is by litigation or prison time for the guilty party. SAYLAVEE buckaroo. The word "Buckaroo" was used in Die Hard by Bruce Willis and Alan Rickman.
I did Locate a piece of Rod Stock in my storage unit. I'll get that bent for calipers holders later! The Chain was too floppy... :o
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All Right, my thread .... I can post what I want!
Message Sent via Pony Express:
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It would appear that the right Chain can straighten a Column ;D
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I think this thread should be removed or at least stop'd
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Hmm .. Steering issues left the road days ago, Unknown outcome to column diagnosis. Now the column must come out for review, or we'll check the Brakes and see if the car left the road for Sticky calipers and loose suspension.. it's just a Ducky situation, and the Mechanic hasn't been heard from.
Time for a service in Pit Lane ::)
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Now, back to fun!
Some people like to yank on my chain but I won't let it get me down ..
I yank back and pull myself up!
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Now, back to fun!
Some people like to yank on my chain but I won't let it get me down ..
I yank back and pull myself up!
Hmm, There is fun wherever you look for it. In ewe N Doh ;D , We will find hilarity and gut busting Flatulence wherever the Ponies reside ::)
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We need a big pooper scooper behind all the Ponies here!!!
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We need a big pooper scooper behind all the Ponies here!!!
No Column to get bent over
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Dick, you're way too kind... I've been fortunate in the steering column department. I did replace a power steering pump in an '82 Capri once. All my Pintos have manual steering, so no fluids. If they have zerks, then I'll grease them. I'm going out on a limb here and guessing it's either hydraulic hoses or the pump itself. Is that all it's doing? Leaking? If you can make it to Fallbrook, I know someone who might be able to figure out what's going on and maybe fix it for a decent price. I'll have to ask him tomorrow.
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Dick, you're way too kind... I've been fortunate in the steering column department. I did replace a power steering pump in an '82 Capri once. All my Pintos have manual steering, so no fluids. If they have zerks, then I'll grease them. I'm going out on a limb here and guessing it's either hydraulic hoses or the pump itself. Is that all it's doing? Leaking? If you can make it to Fallbrook, I know someone who might be able to figure out what's going on and maybe fix it for a decent price. I'll have to ask him tomorrow.
Hey Becky!!
There is a problem with the column or related somehow. I can feel the dent when I turn the steering wheel.
Someone suggested I take pictures of the area. The Pinto is always at the doctors! I can do that when it is on the lift next time.
There was always a lot of play in the steering since I had it. One guy said there was too much play. I had the steering tightened and that is when it was discovered about the column. I wonder if my Pumpkin was in a bad accident at one time before I bought it. I bought it from a dealer when it was 7 years old. I wonder if they were trying to cover up the steering column issue by adjusting it with a lot of play. I have no idea. My dad's friend at the time worked for Villa Ford in Anaheim. It was thru him we got my Pumpkin!
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If the Bearings in the column are failing then you would "feel a change" in the resistance at the steering wheel. This might explain why the column would look bent viewed from in the engine compartment If the Rack is adjusted too tight for "free play" You'll feel a looseness when driving straight ahead, but will stiffen up when unwinding back to center from turned position. This is less pronounced with power steering assist, But might explain why the Pressures to overcome the stiffness are causing leaks. If the rack is worn where the toothed portions of the rack pass through the rack housing , then a play issue will confound any attempt to set end play properly. A full inspection is necessary to get this solved..
A wordy explanation.. Hip bone connected to the Thigh bone.. etc..
Pintosopher U know it's a puzzle, do the frame first ;) Oh the Racks of Life, Align them for good function. ;)
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If the Bearings in the column are failing then you would "feel a change" in the resistance at the steering wheel. This might explain why the column would look bent viewed from in the engine compartment If the Rack is adjusted too tight for "free play" You'll feel a looseness when driving straight ahead, but will stiffen up when unwinding back to center from turned position. This is less pronounced with power steering assist, But might explain why the Pressures to overcome the stiffness are causing leaks. If the rack is worn where the toothed portions of the rack pass through the rack housing , then a play issue will confound any attempt to set end play properly. A full inspection is necessary to get this solved..
A wordy explanation.. Hip bone connected to the Thigh bone.. etc..
Pintosopher U know it's a puzzle, do the frame first ;) Oh the Racks of Life, Align them for good function. ;)
Thank you Joe, this does make sense!
I am going to cut and paste all good replies onto one paper and read them to The Master Mechanic
Now, I could print everything here .... "Look Armando....loo k what I'm into!!!"
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Ahh Yes ,you're always welcome ;D We'll continue to strive to keep all "racks" properly aligned, and wheels pointed to the best apex you can find. Of course, properly fitted Tack always keeps the Rack directed in a pleasing way! ;)
Pintosopher, it's a perky, quirky world, Button up those loose ends ;D