steering/shift PROBLEMS!

Nickalex86 · 03-15-2003, 07:42 PM

My '70 t vibrates...a lot. First of all, I've been told that the ball joints need replacing. Now let me describe what's happening.

Cruising at 65-70, the steering wheel vibrates a lot, I hold it with my fingers b/c I cannot wrap my hang around it and be able to feel my hands afterwards.

Also cruising, the shift lever vibrates in a forward/backwards motion. I just replaced the bushings in the back seat area, but I don't know how the ones in the front are doing. Probably not so good since shifting is still not that accurate. When I give it gas from a cruising speed in 5th, the shift lever looks like it moved forward a bit, and backwards when I let off the gas.

Can someone tell me where I should start looking? I gotta get this stuff fixed and I can't afford to pay someone to fiddle around with it. Please point me in the right direction. Thanks!

Emission · Emission's Garage

As far as the steering wheel vibration... how new are the tires? Are they balanced? Is one of the rims bent?

How new are the engine/transmission mounts? The shift lever shouldn't be moving around that much.

makaio · 03-16-2003, 05:32 AM

My guess without seeing it in person is: you need new tranny/engine mounts like Emission said, for your shift lever antics. While your replacing the ball joints, you might want to replace other bits like the tie rods, control arm bushings, etc. that are also worn out from time.

tryan · 03-16-2003, 05:39 AM

i would agree with emmisions suggestions. tires may have flat spots from sitting, unseen belt seperation and be out of balance. rotate your tires front to rear and see if you notice any change.

an old car needs to have the front end components checked. see if somebody advertises a 20 dollar alignment coupon in the sunday paper.
sneak in and talk to the alignment guy while the car is on the rack. he will tell you which components are in need of replacement ( i go by the replace everything so there is no doubt therory.

from your post, it does sound like motor mount time.

Nickalex86 · 03-16-2003, 07:46 AM

How big a job is it to have these replaced? What's the procedure? Can I do it myself? How much would it cost? Thanks.

btw, the tires are 6 months old, but they are showing wear in the front on the inside, so I think I will have them rotated now. I don't know how many miles on them, but I drive almost 80 miles a day, and it's been 6 months. I reeeeally need to fix the odometer/tripometer....anyone know how? Thanks a bunch guys.

tryan · 03-16-2003, 08:35 AM

motor mounts are a walk in the park compared to the front end. support the motor with a floor jack and replace the mounts.

do a search on speedo repair procedure. you'll probably need the drive gear,but check your cable before you buy anything. if the speed indicator works and the ododmeter does not, replace the gear.

if i was going to repair the front end, i would REPLACE everything. you may opt for turbo tie rods. do a search and make sure they will fit your model. there are two brands and require a special spaner for replacement ( i'll get a flame for that statement.) or just go for the ends for a quick fix.

lower ball joints are a little tougher. most cut the castle nut off and replace it. (it might be wise to upgrade to the newer style ball joint ?sorry, i am not savy of your model )

tie rod assemblies are 109 to 200, depending on who you buy them from. support pelican.

ball joints are 40-50 bucks. the nut is 20 ish. support pelican. (if the car steers itself when driving on uneven pavement, you are due.)

got money? replace the shocks if need be. check the torsion bar for scratches or corrosion. make a new seal if you need it. replace the front pan while you have it all out. see if your steering wheel bearing has play and insert a new bushing if needed. did ii say support pelican?

buy new tires and get an alignment.

Nickalex86 · 03-16-2003, 09:22 AM

thanks tryan and everyone else...

yep the speed indicator works and the odometer doesn't, so i guess ill do a search on how to replace that drive gear.

tires are fine for now, just need to be rotated and balanced.

the front suspension pan has been replaced because the battery acid had eaten it away.

how do i tell is my shocks need replacing? i can tell u that the back end of my car sits low, but at a good height, imo...however the front of the car is waaay too high i think the fender measures a good 27 inches off the ground. could this mean the rear shocks are shot? b/c it seems like too much for just adjustment in the front. i really dont know what im talking about though... i need to learn. oh and also, the car squeaks a looooot over the bumps. just thought i'd mention that. thanks again

tryan · 12:00 PM

shocks , in genral, do not affect ride height. gas pressurized shocks do somewhat.

my car was lowered when i bought it. it looked good, but the handling suffered. needless to say, i raised back to stock specs.

your nose up attitude ( not implying your a snob ) might amplify the front end lightness/vibration at speed. it is quite simple to lower the front end. just turn the adjuster on each side an equal amount. the rear is much more involved, but you might need spring plate ( neatrix ) bushings. see if the torsion bar is centered where it protrudes through the cover.

edit. germann shocks are quite phenomenal compared to usa shocks. i would only replace them if they are leaking profusely. spend the cash on the motor mounts. just support the motor/trans with a floor jack and jack stands. be safe.