Need your help! Steering issue!

[Ezbok58a]

I know I haven't been on here for a while, but I need your help on this.

I just had Kooks headers installed on my car (2 weeks ago to be precise) and since they've been installed I've had a binding issue whenever I made a left turn. First thought was that it was the powersteering, so that got a complete flush but didn't fix the problem.

I've been thinking it was a steering issue, and when I went to Carlisle today I checked the steering shafts on all cars, and all were exactly like mine, down to the color.

Exactly like this.
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k52/Ezbok58a/IMG_1379.jpg

Then I came across one Marauder that also had Kooks headers installed, but instead of the image above, I see this.

http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k52/Ezbok58a/IMG_1503.jpg

Apparently the shaft on that Marauder is slightly straighter and narrower at the top, allowing more clearance on the headers.

The problem I have is that I don't know who makes that, or where I can get it. And that's why I come to you guys.


And yes, I know my car really isn't a Marauder, but the steering setup is exactly the same. So if it works on the Marauder, it can and will work on my Sport.

Thanks for the help!

[MENINBLK]

I have the same exact setup you have in the first photo.

Where is the Oil Dipstick in the second photo ?

[Ezbok58a]

I have the same exact setup you have in the first photo.

Where is the Oil Dipstick in the second photo ?

Phew! I knew I wasn't going crazy ;)

Now I just need to figure out what kind of shaft setup is on that Marauder. (I would've asked, but I couldn't find the person. :confused: )

[larryo340]

I know I haven't been on here for a while, but I need your help on this.

I just had Kooks headers installed on my car (2 weeks ago to be precise) and since they've been installed I've had a binding issue whenever I made a left turn. First thought was that it was the powersteering, so that got a complete flush but didn't fix the problem.



Thanks for the help!

First off welcome back.

I know you said when you make a left turn, but does it bind when turning and steering wheel binds when returning from left?
There is no issue turning right or steering returning from right ?
let me know and we'll try to help

p.s.
Did you check for any rubbing of the lower steering joint near the header, it looks very close?

[Ezbok58a]

First off welcome back.

I know you said when you make a left turn, but does it bind when turning and steering wheel binds when returning from left?
There is no issue turning right or steering returning from right ?
let me know and we'll try to help

p.s.
Did you check for any rubbing of the lower steering joint near the header, it looks very close?


I've turned the steering wheel with the car parked (watching that knuckle go around) and just sitting, it is very, very close. I'd say there's about a hairs gap between the header and that top bolt on the shaft.


The way it usually happens is I'm making a left turn while in motion (thats when it happens, if I'm stopped and make a left it doesn't happen, but if the cars moving, it happens.) and it feels like somethings blocking it's path, and I can hear some sort of friction coming from the front.

I can still make the turn without any problems, but its just getting very very annoying. My mechanic couldn't find anything wrong the last time I brought it in, (it was low on PS fluid, and we originally thought that was the problem) but it still persists.

The main difference with the shafts in the two different pics is the location and size of that top bolt. On mine its a massive bolt that's protruding out of the side, on the one I saw today its a tiny bolt thats recessed and set further back.

[fastblackmerc]

What you need to do is add a .25" (that's a 1/4") spacer between the motor mount and the chassis/cross member. I'd add one to each side or the engine will look lopsided.

Had to do that when my shorty headers were were installed at that GRAND MUFFLER installation facility in Marietta, Ga.

[Ezbok58a]

What you need to do is add a .25" (that's a 1/4") spacer between the motor mount and the chassis/cross member. I'd add one to each side or the engine will look lopsided.

Had to do that when my shorty headers were were installed at that GRAND MUFFLER installation facility in Marietta, Ga.

:eek:

I think you might've just given me the answer I needed... THANK YOU!!! (And I'm not being sarcastic, I really mean that.)

Now do I need a specific kind of spacer for this?

(Oh and as far as the steering shaft goes, the second one is the same as the first one, the shaft is just rotated, showing off the back of it. Realized that now.)

[RCSignals]

What you need to do is add a .25" (that's a 1/4") spacer between the motor mount and the chassis/cross member. I'd add one to each side or the engine will look lopsided.

Had to do that when my shorty headers were were installed at that GRAND MUFFLER installation facility in Marietta, Ga.


thank you for continuing to prove a point

[RCSignals]

I know I haven't been on here for a while, but I need your help on this.

I just had Kooks headers installed on my car (2 weeks ago to be precise) and since they've been installed I've had a binding issue whenever I made a left turn. First thought was that it was the powersteering, so that got a complete flush but didn't fix the problem.

I've been thinking it was a steering issue, and when I went to Carlisle today I checked the steering shafts on all cars, and all were exactly like mine, down to the color.


Apparently the shaft on that Marauder is slightly straighter and narrower at the top, allowing more clearance on the headers.

The problem I have is that I don't know who makes that, or where I can get it. And that's why I come to you guys.


And yes, I know my car really isn't a Marauder, but the steering setup is exactly the same. So if it works on the Marauder, it can and will work on my Sport.

Thanks for the help!

apparently the Marauder uses a different Rack, so it's possible it also uses a different steering shaft.

In those pictures, are both cars wheels positioned the same, straight forward drive position?

[Ezbok58a]

apparently the Marauder uses a different Rack, so it's possible it also uses a different steering shaft.

In those pictures, are both cars wheels positioned the same, straight forward drive position?


I thought they were positioned the same at first, but in reality they weren't. (Damned heat, messing with my mind...)

The second pic is actually the underside of the shaft. I just checked this now to be sure, and sure enough when I turned the wheel far enough that the shaft turned over, it looked Identical to the shaft in the second pic (well not identical, since the one it the pic is colored differently, but you get the idea.)


How different of a Rack can the Marauder use compared to my 04 Sport?

[larryo340]

I've turned the steering wheel with the car parked (watching that knuckle go around) and just sitting, it is very, very close. I'd say there's about a hairs gap between the header and that top bolt on the shaft.


The way it usually happens is I'm making a left turn while in motion (thats when it happens, if I'm stopped and make a left it doesn't happen, but if the cars moving, it happens.) and it feels like somethings blocking it's path, and I can hear some sort of friction coming from the front.

I can still make the turn without any problems, but its just getting very very annoying. My mechanic couldn't find anything wrong the last time I brought it in, (it was low on PS fluid, and we originally thought that was the problem) but it still persists.

The main difference with the shafts in the two different pics is the location and size of that top bolt. On mine its a massive bolt that's protruding out of the side, on the one I saw today its a tiny bolt thats recessed and set further back.
if you do not see any evidence of rubbing on the header or steering joint, then I agree with the spacer plate under mounts

and by the way, what did they charge you for labor on install?

[RCSignals]

Has anyone else who has installed Kooks headers had to add a spacer to the engine mount?
I was under the impression they are a fairly straightforward install and your done.

[Ezbok58a]

if you do not see any evidence of rubbing on the header or steering joint, then I agree with the spacer plate under mounts

and by the way, what did they charge you for labor on install?

Labor, I'm not sure, but it was a lot.

Put it this way, it cost me just under two grand to have the headers installed, 2 highflow cats, x-pipe, over the axle and out to the tailpipes.


Hell it took them a entire day to get the headers installed. (somewhere along the lines of 8-10 hours, mainly because they couldn't get access to tighten the bolts.)

[burt ragio]

What am I missing you said 8 to 10 hrs. labor $2000. Worst case 10hrs that's $200. an hr. or are you talking about the additional cost of x pipe lead pipe & high flow cats?

[RCSignals]

What am I missing you said 8 to 10 hrs. labor $2000. Worst case 10hrs that's $200. an hr. or are you talking about the additional cost of x pipe lead pipe & high flow cats?

I'd guess it's everything
just under two grand to have the headers installed, 2 highflow cats, x-pipe, over the axle and out to the tailpipes.

Constable's Kooks install tips should stickied

[MENINBLK]

If the steering drags on left turns and not on right turns
it may be the steering rack and it may just be coincidental.
Place a sheet of aluminum foil between the steering shaft and the header and turn the wheel.
If it grabs the sheet then it is rubbing.
If it doesn't then you are clear.

Check the steel power steering lines.
No one is perfect, and it is possible that one of the lines is either bent or crimped.

Also check the steering shaft and make sure it is fully seated on the rack
as well as on the steering column.
If it is not and it is binding in that one position, that could be what you are feeling.
It may have been removed during the header install,
and it just wasn't fully seated when it was reinstalled.


If you are clear and the lines are untouched,
then the power rack and pinion is probably pitted inside
and needs to be replaced.

[Raudermaster]

Damn man, $2 large? Talk about a rape session.

[Zack]

So you have an LX Sport with a 4V?

[larryo340]

So you have an LX Sport with a 4V?
its a CV, and a 2V (check the pics);)

[Raudermaster]

Zack Kooks makes headers for the 2v.

[fastblackmerc]

Labor, I'm not sure, but it was a lot.

Put it this way, it cost me just under two grand to have the headers installed, 2 highflow cats, x-pipe, over the axle and out to the tailpipes.


Hell it took them a entire day to get the headers installed. (somewhere along the lines of 8-10 hours, mainly because they couldn't get access to tighten the bolts.)

2k :eek: Mine cost much less than that!

Mustang shorty headers
Custom mandrel-bent stainless steel down pipes
2 Hi-flow cats
Custom stainless steel X pipe
2 18" polished stainless steel Magnaflows

[fastblackmerc]

:eek:

I think you might've just given me the answer I needed... THANK YOU!!! (And I'm not being sarcastic, I really mean that.)

Now do I need a specific kind of spacer for this?

(Oh and as far as the steering shaft goes, the second one is the same as the first one, the shaft is just rotated, showing off the back of it. Realized that now.)
Take out one of the motor mount bolts and get a nut that slides over it.

[MADDOG]

Aloha all:coolman:

Got the Kooks headers in my M.M. No problems steering.

[CRUZTAKER]

What you need to do is add a .25" (that's a 1/4") spacer between the motor mount and the chassis/cross member. .....

Had to do that when my shorty headers were were installed at that SPAMMED MUFFLER installation facility in Marietta, Ga.

No.


Has anyone else who has installed Kooks headers had to add a spacer to the engine mount?
....

No again.

Occationally with the Kooks installation, the steering shaft merely needed moved a bit. Mine did not.

Do search, we have a full installation thread here that explains the in and outs with the KOOKS install.