differential problem? bearings? shafts?

[btor23]

i have a 71 240z. just bought it about a month ago ran into some trouble driving it around last week. my biggest problem is the rear. the left rear wheel shudders and wobbles (i checked the lugs). also when i jacked the car up i rocked both rear wheels and theres a good amount of play. i assumed it was a loose/worn bearing so im replacing it. . also replacing half shafts and uj as well. the right wheel does not sit center to the car. seems like it is sitting more towards the front of the fender. also when test driven it has a grinding noise coming from the rear. assumed its the differential. i just want to know what else to check for when i inspect it again and anymore suggestions on what can be wrong and what to replace. im knowledgeable about mechanics but lack on the hands on. i hope to post pics soon to help the description of my problem. any help will be greatly appreciated. thanks

[madkaw]

Welcome to Classic Z.

Glad you found a Z car, prepare to get addicted!

Not trying to be the grammar police but we ask you use proper punctuation so it will be easier to read your posts.

Example being the right wheel- which wheel, front or back ?

Finding noises is process of elimination. Help us figure out what you have done already on the car .

Tell us more about the car and yourself since this is your post.

[djwarner]

The early 240z rear wheels did sit toward the front end of the wheel well. If you have vents on the rear hatch, you probably have a series I car and the forward position of the wheels is correct. Tell us your vin number for additional help.

I wouldn't rule out your having later suspension parts on the left rear, odd, but possible. After acquiring my 71 last August, for every thing I've replaced for wear and tear, I've found some other problem due to poor/improper maintenance. 42 years leaves a lot of opportunities for maintenance hoo-haws.

[Zed Head]

Use the 1972 FSM here to get started. Best to confirm a problem before assuming and replacing. The act of replacing will probably break more things. Small jobs become big jobs.

Index of /FSM

[btor23]

Just want to thank you guys for replying. I'm new to forums in general so please excuse and mistakes. I'm a 21 year old from suburban NY. Before buying the Z I was actually searching for a s13 but came across a 240z and had to have it. Personally I haven't done anything to the car yet but the guy I bought it from claims he had a tune up done, a new clutch , and new brakes (I doubt he did anything). The car has a misfire and is not timed correctly but anyways back to the problem at hand. I do not know the vin # of hand but my car does not have the vents. Underneath everything is fairly rusted which is why I've been set on just replacing everything. A friend suggested maybe a cotter pin fell off while driving which is causing the left rear wheel to whobble. I've been away for the weekend so I haven't had a chance to get pics but will do so tomorrow after work. I will also get you guys the vin #. If I missed anything let me know and I'll try to cover that in my next reply which hopefully won't be so long . Thanks for the help!

[EuroDat]

I don't know what your friend means by "cotter pin falling off". You might want to look at things like a worn wheel bearing or the bushes on the control arm/spindle pin, broken or worn out strut insulator at the top of the spring tower, or a loose shock bolt.

Dont just start replacing stuff. That can cost money and time without fixing the problem. First identify your problem and then fix it.

[btor23]

Yea I didn't know what he meant either. He's a Honda guy and said he had the same problem and it was because he left out a pin. Its hard to explain my problem through text. Hopefully I can show some pics or even a video soon. Just need to find some free time. Thanks for the reply