Strut movement

[Pomorza]

Hey mates

This past weekend I did an oil change on my Z - added some zinc which made it worth while. While I had the car in the air I grabbed the passengers side wheel to make sure the bearing and lugs were holding everything. To my amazement I can move the whole strut assembly - wheel and all - a bout 3 degrees in each direction as if I was turning. Any ideas what could be bad? Strut mounts?

Thanks

Jan

[Zed Head]

Does the steering wheel move when you do that? If not, not good.

[gnosez]

I'd check the three (3) nuts holding the strut at the top of the inner fender well first then the TC rod, the wheel bearing nut, then the steering rack bushings and both inner and outer tie rods.

[Bonzi Lon]

Mine did the same thing. The cause was the 'self locking' nut on the shock rod had come loose. The shock rod was nearly worn in two. The 'D' shape hole in the insulator was rounded beyond use, same with the shock. Might check this also with all of the other items mentioned.

Bonzi Lon

[Pomorza]

When you say locking nut do you mean the one on top of the shock? I'll take a look at all of these on my next day off.

[Bonzi Lon]

Yes, the "ny-lock" self locking nut on top of the shock rod, under the black cap on the top of the strut tower.

Bonzi Lon

[Pomorza]

Mates

New sympton to mension. When I go over bumps there's a squeaking noise (loudish) coming from the right front area.

Thanks for the advice

Jan

[Zed Head]

The description of "3 degrees as if you were turning" implies that the wheel is pivoting easily in its normal turning motion. But maybe you really mean it moves back and forth. A broken TC rod or missing rear bushing will let the wheel do that. The control arm (transverse link) bushings will hold the wheel in its location when sitting still but it will be easily moved. Reach down and grab the TC rod and give it a yank. It shouldn't move at all. Check the nut and bushings. I drove about 4 miles to my house after my TC rod end broke. It's not a car-stopper.

[Pomorza]

Thank you all for the help. Got under the car today and found that the two 18mm bolts that hold the strut to the lower control arm were, loose is a nice word. I tightened these and everything else - ball joint, tc rod and all - it was all not tightened down all the way. No more movement at all. Thanks again

Jan