Strange thing happened today. I was driving my 88 notchie to the post office and made a left turn on to another street and when the wheel came back straight the car started to pull to the left. I didn't hit any holes or hear any noises at all. If I let go of the steering wheel it pulled left.
When I got to the post office I parked with the steering wheel straight and got out and looked and my left front tire (drivers side) had a toe out and the top of the tire leaning in. Not sure if that is negative or positive camber.
Again I did not hit anything or hear any noises. I walked a few miles home and got my truck and a floor jack and checked out the front end. I grabbed the tire at 6 and 12 and then 3 and 9 and everything was tight. Did a visual on the tie rods and ball joints and still everything seemed fine so I cranked on the tie rod a few times to pull in the toe and slowly drove home.
I am at a loss as I don't have a clue what happened. I've had worn ball joints and tie rods before and they allowed some movement when shaking the wheel. If I cannot get any ideas of what could have possibly happened then I will take it to an alignment shop but would rather fix it myself. Strange stuff. Any help will be appreciated. Thanks
The upper control arm cross-shaft bolt holes are elongated in the crossmember to allow camber adjustments. If the bolt slips, the upper control arm will slide in an cause the issue you are having. Check to see if it looks like the control arm cross-shaft or bolt has moved recently.
Seajai you hit the nail on the head with the slotted bolts. It actually was a broken bolt. Going to try to get out the broken piece tomorrow. Any ideas where to get replacement bolts. Are they available locally or does Rodney have them? The PO installed poly bushings so I am not going to remove the nuts unless I have to but it seems removing the other bolt will allow me to slide the control arm out of the way.
Seajai you hit the nail on the head with the slotted bolts. It actually was a broken bolt. Going to try to get out the broken piece tomorrow. Any ideas where to get replacement bolts. Are they available locally or does Rodney have them? The PO installed poly bushings so I am not going to remove the nuts unless I have to but it seems removing the other bolt will allow me to slide the control arm out of the way.
Both are available from Rodney Dickman: PaddleBolts and Paddle Nuts
Picked up 2 new bolts locally this morning and installed them. Did an alignment and back in business. Will be doing the other side bolts over the weekend.
Picked up 2 new bolts locally this morning and installed them. Did an alignment and back in business. Will be doing the other side bolts over the weekend.
