front end issues
#870828
12/04/10 02:27 AM
12/04/10 02:27 AM
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 4,179 California
mickm
OP
master
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OP
master
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 4,179
California
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i'm having an issue with my front end, where it feels like something is loose. overall it drives well, but it feels like there is something loose that catches when the wheels are not pulled at equally. for instance i went over a very shallow, wide pot hole on the highway, and the car kind of jumped to the right, and then immediately corrected to straight ahead. it wasn't major, like scary, but very, very noticeable.
i know the steering is a little loose, probably and inch or two of play in the wheel before it grabs, but no feeling of it grabbing, so it isn't that far out of adjustment.
i have a tie rod end that the boot has been missing for a while, so i will replace that.
the only other thing is it looks like the seal where the steering shaft comes out of the box (manual) is leaking a bit.
i was under there a while ago, and everything felt nice and tight, i couldn't find anything, but didn't spend a lot of time looking either.
so how do i go about testing things? sometimes just grabbing and pulling isn't enough to see that something is actually loose. things like tie rod ends and the steering linkage is pretty simple, but what do i do to know the other components are in good shape?
can someone give me a basic rundown on that? it's up in the air on jack stands now.
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Re: front end issues
[Re: Yancy Derringer]
#870830
12/04/10 03:28 AM
12/04/10 03:28 AM
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 4,179 California
mickm
OP
master
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OP
master
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 4,179
California
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Quote:
ONE THING you must do when checking for slop is to unload the ball joints. You do this by jacking up the car --typically with jack stands---and supporting the LOWER CONTROL ARMS so that there is no weight on the ball joints.
Now you can use a small bar and pry and push on things and see what moves.
Do you run headers? I had a 340 in my old '70 for a while (sixpack body) and the headers occasionally "bit" the drag link. Not good
Consider also that there could be something like a broken chip or bearing ball floating around in the manual? box, or even something in the steering column
that's along the lines of what i was thinking, taking the load off the ball joints and prying around on things. just wanted to get some advice to how exactly to go about it all.
don't think it's header hitting the drag link, but i'll look.
and yes, it probably is serious enough that i need to track it down, however i do it.
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Re: front end issues
[Re: Boise Chall]
#870834
12/04/10 12:19 PM
12/04/10 12:19 PM
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 740 Anderson, IN
1969RR
super stock
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super stock
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 740
Anderson, IN
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Make sure the steering linkage is tight! The linkage is known as a "parallelogram" type system. If the relay rod is not "parallel" to the ground (you can eye-ball whether it's level with the oil pan). If this is not level, you will get what's called "bump steer". A dangerous situation going over bumps just like you describe. Like was mentioned, ck the bolts on the gear box, looseness at the idler or the non-parallel situation. Try raising the front of the car off the ground, then start the car. If the steering wheel cranks to one side or the other, the gear box pressure valve needs adjusted. Again, make sure ALL bushings, ball joints, etc are in good, safe working order. Hope this helps!! Jeff
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Re: front end issues
[Re: 1969RR]
#870835
12/04/10 01:12 PM
12/04/10 01:12 PM
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 905 SD
zrxkawboy
super stock
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super stock
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 905
SD
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I second autoxcuda's idler arm suggestion. Do you hear a clunk when you go over a bump? That's what mine did when the idler arm was loose. Unfortunately, though, it could be several things, so I would start by seeing if you can find play in any of the parts.
It's Swifty! Swifty, you toad sucker!
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Re: front end issues
[Re: zrxkawboy]
#870836
12/04/10 02:10 PM
12/04/10 02:10 PM
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 4,179 California
mickm
OP
master
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OP
master
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 4,179
California
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Quote:
I second autoxcuda's idler arm suggestion. Do you hear a clunk when you go over a bump? That's what mine did when the idler arm was loose. Unfortunately, though, it could be several things, so I would start by seeing if you can find play in any of the parts.
pulling out of the driveway the other day, at an angle backing into the street, there was an audible clunk. i drove back and forth and couldn't reproduce it, but it was definitely there the first time.
hopefully i'll get under the car today or tomorrow, and report back.
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Re: front end issues
[Re: Boise Chall]
#870841
04/02/11 06:08 PM
04/02/11 06:08 PM
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 4,179 California
mickm
OP
master
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OP
master
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 4,179
California
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Quote:
Check the steering box bolt the 3 that mount it to the K-frame. Mine was doing the same thing and these bolts worked themselves loose. I locktited them and tightened them. also check the shoes in the steering column coupler joint to make sure they are installed correctly.
BINGO! steering box was loose. i don't know why i passed it by the first time, but when i got on them, i could move one with a short box end wrench.
guess that's a good lesson, always worth checking things multiple times....
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