Front end rebuild, how long does it last

[nbristow01]

I have been having a bit of an issue with my front end. My car has been increasingly wondering on the road when I am on uneven roads. It pulls to one side then the other, follows grooves etc. To the point I have to figure out what may be causing it because it is getting kind of squirrely to drive

I got the car a bit over 3 years ago, put in all new poly bushings in front, new ball joints, tie rods, center link, Bilstien HD, HR springs, IE sway bars. Since the rebuild I have clocked close to 120k miles on the car

Tires have only 3000 on them, BFG SS 205/50/15. I have run 205s on the car for years and never had this issue so I have ruled out tire size.

Had alignment rechecked yesterday, Steeringbox has a bit of play in it but does not seem excessive.

rear suspension is toast and getting a subframe swap next month with all new bushings....but the pulling and following grooves is coming from the front end...or so it seems

I have jacked the car up and checked everything. I can not find any play in the tie rods, Center link or ball joints, but maybe under load they move? IS 120k miles on the "new" rebuilt front end now needing a new rebuild? The parts are cheap but hate to just start swapping parts without understanding what the cause is in the first place

Thanks for any input

[Napes]

Considering how relatively new most of your front ends parts are I'd start by tightening up on the steering box nut in VERY small increments to see if that solves your wandering.

It took that tendendency out of the steering on my wife's '76. Do the adjustment in small amounts (not more than 10º-15º at a time) and test drive after each adjustment. It may save you a bunch of un-needed work on the front end.

Bob Napier

[AceAndrew]

I'm assuming you also did your wheel bearings at the time of the rebuild. After the initial seating they need to be tightened again once after a hundred miles or so. They then need to be adjusted periodically after that. If tie rods and ball joints seem to be in good shape, I'd be checking those bearings.

[jgerock]

I'm assuming you also did your wheel bearings at the time. After the initial seating they need to be tightened again once after a hundred miles or so. And then be adjusted periodically after that. If tie rods and ball joints seem to be in good shape, I'd be checking those bearings.

+1

[nbristow01]

I'm assuming you also did your wheel bearings at the time. After the initial seating they need to be tightened again once after a hundred miles or so. And then be adjusted periodically after that. If tie rods and ball joints seem to be in good shape, I'd be checking those bearings.

I did check and they seemed fine BUT I have a new BBK to install so with the new bearings in it I will see what happens. I plan on istalling the front BBK and rear discs and the rebuilt rear subframe all at once. So maybe combined it will fix it...never even considered the wheel bearings as being a possble cause. Thanks for the input

[jimk]

Tire tread pattern on you new tires (guessing it is different than the previous set) can make it wander. Mine does now and never before with the old set. On grooved highway surfaces, I just hold the wheel steady and am amused at how it wiggles around just like a motorcyle crossing a bridge with a open grating roadway.

[nbristow01]

Tire tread pattern on you new tires (guessing it is different than the previous set) can make it wander. Mine does now and never before with the old set. On grooved highway surfaces, I just hold the wheel steady and am amused at how it wiggles around just like a motorcyle crossing a bridge with a open grating roadway.

That may well be the case as well. I never had this issue when I ran Kumho Ecsta 205/50/15. In fact I always used them. I recently bought the BFG SS because they had better wet traction ratings. Well after the new brakes are installed, new bearings, new rear suspension I will see what happens. Makes sense it could be the tires since that is the only thing that has changed

[bueller]

Tire tread pattern on you new tires (guessing it is different than the previous set) can make it wander. Mine does now and never before with the old set. On grooved highway surfaces, I just hold the wheel steady and am amused at how it wiggles around just like a motorcyle crossing a bridge with a open grating roadway.

+1 to jim.

got some new tires and much wandering in certain grooved highways. tread pattern + weird groove pattern = wandering

mind you, this was on an '06 VW with 90K on the clock. still does it after 35k more on the tires though.

[ndog]

I had this problem and it was a combo(wheel bearing/steering box) try the box after you check the bearings and lugs.I hope you fix it without spending $$

p.s. How many threads do you have left on the steering adj screw?

[tim385]

How bad are your rear sub frame bushes? Are you getting any "rear" steering?Worth a jack and jiggle !

[c.d.iesel]

tires (205) to fat and worn

loose steering box does'nt help

call back after you repair the floppy rear end

[nbristow01]

tires (205) to fat and worn

loose steering box does'nt help

call back after you repair the floppy rear end

Roger

[OriginalOwner]

+1 wheel bearing adjustments.

+1 steering box adjust.

and make sure there is lube in the steering box. Mine leaked out (bad seal) and the front end felt funny. Lube topped up, no more problem.

Cheers,

Carl

[Napes]

Before removing the filler plug, as c.d. has pointed out numerous times, make sure the top of the steering box is immaculately clean, and use only SAE 90 GL-4 Hypoid gear oil.

Bob Napier

[ndog]

and before that how about ck The bearings.If your rearend is toast the car may track on frwy grooves but you should feel the tail walking the dog if that is the case.