More alignment / steering questions
 

83 944 w/ manual steering...I took it to Goodyear for an alignment today (checked w/ them 1st & they said they have done many 944s) but they couldnt do it because of other problems. .....First off I just installed new Strut Inserts & lower ball joints on both sides. Since doing so, I now have a terrible wobble in the wheel (expected alignment?) ...also worse the steering doesnt want to return to center after a turn on its own anymore. I did not have this problem before removing the struts. ....Figured Goodyear could sort this out, but they are telling me my Steering shaft (Intermediate Shaft) U-joints are shot which is causing the wheel to bind on turns. ....I really dont think this is the case but they say they wont do an alignment until thats fixed. ...I think it has something to do with the struts since I didnt have this binding before. ....Please let me know what you guys think & where to take it from here. Thanks

are you sure they can do an alignment anyway? most of those goodyear stores only want to do a toe set, and they almost never have the special tools needed to do the rear, which is just as important as the front - pretty sure the 83 is essentially the same in the rear as the rest - if so, make sure they have the thin 24mm, 36, and the P221 eccentric tool

for the wobble, i would look at the castor blocks

as for the not wanting to return to center, shot castor blocks can do that too, but they could be right about the steering shaft u-joints - these are known to wear out - it's easy to see though - look down into the engine bay and have somebody wiggle the steering wheel - if you see or feel the shaft on one side of the u-joint moving differently than the other, it is shot - there should be zero play there

the fact that you had "no binding" before has nothing to do with it - this is a common diagnostic mistake - post hoc ergo propter hoc cannot be applied when it comes to automobile diagnostics - shot struts and ball joints could easily have been masking another problem

hope that helps

Where / what exactly are Caster blocks? How do I go about checking them?

mikey, if u need the rear toe alignment eccentric tool, i got one u can borrow. i was gonna do my own toe and camber alignment but only once it warms up. i so wish i took today off so i could enjoy the 60 degree weather.

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castor block #4. where the LCA connects to the frame.

Looked at my caster blocks & they are now on my list of parts to order. They dont look so bad but not like new either. Originals, so better to replace.

yeah - they go south, especially if you have any leaks

yeah I have had & still have my share of minor leaks. I guess my next step is to get some new Caster Blocks on & take it for a drive & see whats improved & what to work on next. So thats gonna kill some time. In the meanwhile anyone else with any other suggestions or answers to improve things while Im there?... Im all ears. ....also thanks for the kind offer krystar to borrow me your tools, but Id honestly rather leave the alignment up to a shop of some type. Problem is finding a good shop. Im not so sure this Goodyear I went to is even the place for me. Im still looking for someone close who knows 944s & can give a proper alignment.

i just asked a guy i know that works at a just tire. he's gonna check if his alignment guy can do it

unclemikeys2001,

Don't know where you are in the burbs, but I had an alignment (4 wheel) at Loeber Motors in Lincolnwood, IL. The have mechanics that know 944's and have a good machine. It an't cheap but the have discounts this month and next months on service.

I trust these guys

Im in the town of West Chicago. Any shop in DuPage County or Kane County area would be more convenient for me.

I'm not familar with anything in your area but I'm sure there is someone who can do this. I have a 944 owner friend who lives in Addison and I'll ask him when I see him.

chitown 944 owners comin out of the woodworks! :)