Re: 31 loose front end and bad brakes

Posted by Bob Carabbio on May 11, 1997 at 22:02:48

In Reply to: 31 loose front end and bad brakes
posted by Steve Watrous on May 11, 1997 at 20:13:10

Sounds like the important stuff is tight, and the steering wheel play, like Jim says is not all that bad.
I'd suggest the replacement of the tires as a first step. If they're old, they're also stiff, and can have a profound effect on the steering and roadability.Stiff tires will cause wander in the steering, and shimmy even if everything else is O.K. and in adjustment.
"A"s are susceptable to "Hard tire syndrome" since they aren't usually driven enough to wear out the tires while the rubber is still fresh, and we HATE to buy tires when the old ones look so good.
The next thing to check is the alignment - caster and camber settings as well as toe-in.It's amazing how many bent axles are out there.
I have always used rubber radius rod balls on my "A"s primarily for the smoothness and quiet they bring to the front end operation.
Brakes are another thing - the great and general rule is that ALL FOUR WHEELS must operate properly, or the brakes will not be right.
Be sure you check the condition of the rear wheel bearings since if they're loose (Bottom of the axle housing worn or wheel bearing loose)the brakes will have to lift the rear of the car before they can engage properly.
The cross shaft should show some looseness in its brackets.People make the mistake of trying to get it tight which defeats any ability of the mechanism to self-compensate.
Cast iron drums are a great help.The Dallas club has annual purchases of drums in large quantities that gets the price down to about $65 each.Maybe there's something in your area like that.
Happy hunting-

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