I have a '77 Pinto sedan, with a '78 turbocharged Buick V-6, auto trans. This problem started last week.
When I use the line-loc, and mat the accelerator, I get a loud "clunk" from the right front. After my burnout, as I let off the line-loc, the car pulls violently to the right. This is not acceptable when your trying to go straight for 1/4 mile.
To "cure" the pulling, I've recently discovered if I cut the wheel to full lock to the left, and back up quickly, I get the loud clunk again and then when I drive forward, the car will go straight as an arrow with no pulling what so ever... Wierd.
I pulled the wheels and checked for anything at all loose, any marks on the control arms, or spindles from movement. Nothing. Caliper is tight, and ball joints are tight. In fact, the whole front end is tight as a drum. I got the car into the pulling condition, then put it on the lift and pulled the wheels thinking it might be a caliper hanging up... Nope, both front wheels spin freely.
Like I said, no shiny spots on any front end components which would indicate a moving part...
Any ideas? Any suggestions? Any similar experiences?
I figured I'd try to tap into the vast knowledge of Pintos on this site. Any help would be awesome! Thanks.
Everyone loves a Pinto!