Howdy all.
My 74' Pinto has a small problem. There is a lot of "play" in the steering wheel. The lack of control is not a serious problem at the moment but I would to get this problem fixed before winter.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
-Jeremy
check the tie rod ends. the easiest way to do it is to jack up the front of the car and wiggle the tire side to side (like you're turningon the road) if there's any wobble, thump or any other noise, you'll more than likely need new tie rod ends.
I know this from experiance.
krazi
Another likely culprit is the "rag joint" in the steering column. If it's in good shape the go ahead & check the tie rods/rack. Generally, but not always the tie rods ends will cause uneven wear on the tires. (out of alignment) The rag joint will also cause a "rattle" in the steering column over rough pavement.
Thanks guys, I'll try this as soon as I get home. :) The wheel does "rattle" but not just on rough roads, it also does this while going down steep hills. ???
Thanks again. :)
Hey Dick_Nixon:
My Pinto had the same problem several years ago. It turned out to be the
"rag joint" as crazyhorse pointed out. My rag joint was attached with several
bolts and the rag joint was broken at one of the connections. This caused
extra play in the steering wheel. I replaced it and it fixed the problem. Hope
this is your problem and not the tie rod ends.
77pintocw
Look at "Steering wheel slack?" in this section. It is a few pages down.
Seems to be a good one for the FAQ section.
Bill
Hi again
Would the “rag joint†also be know as the "flex coupling" or am I getting parts confused?
-Jeremy
Quote from: Dick_Nixon on October 20, 2005, 07:57:21 AM
Hi again
Would the “rag joint†also be know as the "flex coupling" or am I getting parts confused?
-Jeremy
Hey Jeremy,
You are "Right ON"
Same thing!!!
From Pintony
Great! :) I've got the day off, so now I can get some work done!
Thanks for all the help.
Well it was not the "flex coupling". The entire Shaft and U-Joint assembly is worn and damaged. I check with the local dealership and they no longer carry that part. Does anyone know where I could find the needed replacement? Any help would be great.
-Jeremy
if you're good with a red a blue wrench 80's mustang ones will work.
Many garages won't 'modify' a part like that for you. If you don't have the ablity to make the mod yourself, don't get any other part than the one for your car until you line up someone to do it for you. Keep looking on ebay, I have seen entire colums for about 10-20 bucks. Check local JY's, you never know.
Bill
Theres a weld in one in jegs last i knew