Steering wobble with new tires

[78 280zcar]

Thanks for all the help guys. Last time I had my mother inlaw take it to some shop to have it aligned, they told her that it couldnt be aligned because the steering rack was leaking oil , I thought it was grease that goes in there , but they said it would be about 560.00 for the steering rack and installation. I think I mentioned this about a year ago on this site! I will take it in to Big O tires and see what they say, its only 25.00 for the estimate. Thanks

[1 Bravo 6]

Proves two things.

1. Your better off in the long run to use a REPUTABLE company.

2. NEVER trust a MOTHER IN LAW !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ROFL

Rick.

:devious: :devious:

[78 280zcar]

When they called me to let me know my car was ready, they said the suspension is screwed, it needs new tie rod ends and new dust bellows. He told me after I get those installed and have them do an alignment it will drive like a dream. What is the correct way to install tie rod ends? Thanks for all the advice

[DatsunZsRule]

Dust Bellows???? Thats a new one to me I'm guessing they are talking about the Ball Joint boots?

Mine had the original 1977 parts so they were pretty worn out. It does make a big difference. It's easy for me to say that they are not bad to do because I know how to and have the right tools to do it. Are you going to do ball joints as well?

Sounds like your debating about wheather to do it yourself or not? That depends What do you have for tools? You will need a good pickle fork set for starters and all though many have done this job using a regular hammer to pound on the pickle fork, an air hammer is a must in my opinion as it will make the job 10 times easier to separate knuckle arm & Ball joint assembly. Same goes for tie Rod ends. Also a good pry bar for when you have to separate Transverse link from bottom end of strut, a torque wrench, an impact gun or breaker bar if you don't have air ect.

Let us know what you decide to do and I as well as others that have done this job will chime in and help you get started.

Best of luck

[78 280zcar]

I am going to do it myself, I am just waiting to get the parts. A buddy of mine works at Midas and he is going to order the parts, it will be like ten bucks for each tierod. I should go ahead and change the ball joints while I am at it. I have an air hammer and an air compressor. The pickle fork can be rented from autozone right? The reason the guy at Big O told me to get dust bellows is because the ones that are on there are torn to shreds and it would be easier to change them when the tierods are off. Autozone here in turlock has them for 9.99 each, which is not bad so I am just going to get those too. I will definitly let you guys know when I plan to do this, as I will need some help. Thanks

[mlc240z]

dust bellows........

from the description of easier to replace when you replace tie rod ends by mechanic, it sounds like they mean the steering rack boots.

[BuDavid]

first of all, you should buy realy tires for your Z man! you should give it some respect!

about the ball joints point, maybe your previous tires were worn and were slipping much (soft causing less friction forces) and when you installed your new ones the friction forces become higher with the improved gripping and due to the clearences at the joints you get the car travel from side to side..

sometimes when you put better stuff (than previous) other weaknesses show up..

so it is time now to treat you baby well and get some new stuff;)

Note: it was just my opinion..

chaw..

[DatsunZsRule]

"The pickle fork can be rented from autozone right?"

I own mine so I'm not sure if you can rent them or not from Auto Zone? Best thing to do would be to call Auto Zone and ask.

[bobs77]

I really only mentioned the kit for the rear. Shops seem to have trouble getting the rear camber set to spec without it especially if you have larger than stock rear tires.

Stephen, The MSA kit isn't needed for the front, even with larger than stock front wheels?

[78 280zcar]

Just thought I would follow up with an update on whats going on.

I got my new ball joints, tie rods and steering rack boots installed and an alignment and a new tire for the rear right tire and now it drives like a dream. Thanks for the great help!

Shane

[78 280zcar]

Well! I take that back, it started to do it again. I was going 90mph on the freeway, (well at least the speedo says 90 but I still havent change my speedo gear in the tranny so its actually 80) well after a little while of driving just fine it started to float again, wobble from side to side(I just seem to have bad luck with my Z), but now I am looking at maybe it is my wheel bearings:stupid:, the driver side tire does make a little noise when shaking it vertically but the passengers side is fine, would that cause the car to move like that, I cant think of anything else but the struts and springs!

[sblake01]

Stephen, The MSA kit isn't needed for the front, even with larger than stock front wheels?

We'll I have 2256014s on the front of mine and they were able to align the front without the kit.