what do I use to lube up the steering u-joints?

[joehahn]

2 days ago it became difficult to turn left. Right is still easy and quite frankly "bearing" left is still fine but if I want to turn 90 degrees or more left than it requires a lot more strength than it did a few days ago.

I found a great old post that indicated not to panick until removing the smuggler cover and lubing the u joints to see if this is the problem. What do I use? I have wd-40 and white lithium at home.

Thanks,

Joe 68L

If it is not this any other ideas??

[Planter91C2]

i used "liquid wrench" penetrating oil. then after working out the joints i put on some 10w-30 i had in a hand pump oiler.

you could try the wd-40? may work, but follow up with a heavier oil after you work out the joints.

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Daryl 964 Targa

[Kemo]

I had a similar, but much worse problem. My steering rack had alot of play, about an inch either way, and would lock up while turning left! I ended up with a great rack from ebay(36 bucks). I installed the turbo tie rods and the bump steer kit as well. I got 2 thumbs up from the alignment guy on the install. Now its smoove like butta!
BTW, I'm not a great wrench, but I was able to tackle this one by myself.

Kemo 78SC

[joehahn]

...what is a bump steer kit?

[efeinsmith]

If you lower the car a lot, then the geometry between the a-arms and the steering rack are too far off. So when you hit a bump, the "effective" length of the tie rods would vary enough to "steer" the car (hence BUMP STEER). The kit contains spacers to relocate the steering rack lower, so that it's again aligned properly.

[joehahn]

I have also noticed in last 2 days that car pulls to the left. I have been putting off brake pad replacement (front left squeals). I went home at lunch and jacked up left side. Front wheel was NOT moving freely it was as if something was stuck in between pad and rotor. I rotated back and forth and it came free. I did not drive again due to rain here this afternoon so my question now becomes;
1. Could this have been a stuck caliper? (O.K. I'll admit it, it squeals a LOT, but I haven't had time to do pads) Could it really have been debris or something in there stuck?

2. Would this have caused pulling and or the heavy, heavy left turning?

Thanks fellas.

[This message has been edited by joehahn (edited 07-25-2001).]