Ok, I haven't had a chance to get under my car and have a look, but my Fiero has had steering issues lately, and has a little "thunk" when I turn the wheel while stopped. What I am looking to do is to do a little proactive maintanence while fixing the problem. I don't want to have my front end collapse from a worn-out ball joint.

I have an 88 Formula with 75,000 miles on the Odo. I am fairly certain that the A arms and other suspension parts are rust-free and not bent.

What should I replace?

Steering bushing (Rodnay)
Lower Ball Joints (Rodney)
Upper Ball joints (Rodney)
Steering Stabilizer (rodney)
Shocks (what brand)?

Also, Should I switch to Poly? Where is the best place to buy the kit, about how much should it cost to install, and where would you reccomend me taking the car to have the work done (I WISH I had a garage or some place to do it myself, but I can't...)

Thanks!!!!!

-FieroRumor

Hello Chris,

I have just finished a complete front end rebuild on my '88GT. My main problem was a badly worn bushing on the passenger side of the steering rack. This will cause a clunk as you describe, as well as a chattering sound and feel on rough roads. The other likely culprit might be the tie rod ends.

If you are not going to do the work yourself, I would recommend taking the car a front end alignment shop. They will give you a report on what is wrong and then you can shop around on getting the work done.

You ask about poly bushings. A lot of us have installed them. They are available from the Fiero Store and lots of other places. Just be aware that your ride will be noticably harsher on rough roads. I installed lowering springs at the same time as the poly bushings. These springs have a higher rate, and in combination with the poly bushings, the ride is VERY firm. Not everyone would like it.

Anyway, hope this helps. BTW, I am getting good use out of the exhaust shields that you sent me 6 months ago. Thanks again.

....Rickker

Summit Racing also has the poly bushings for '88 and quite a bit less money than Fiero Store. I believe they are the same product. I've had good service from both places. User by name of "fierocsp" has posted the part numbers for 88 bushings several times. Try searching this site for "fierocsp"

You might check the front wheel bearings, push the car (from the front fender) side to side and watch if you can see any movement at the top of the wheel. If the wheel cambers in or out the bearings are bad, you should only see the tire flexing at the bottom with no rim movement. The 88's have no steering stabilizer. Hope this helps

That info does help a lot..thanks guys!

Glad you like the shields! Do you have any pics of 'em installed? Is your car road-worthy yet?

add to the list

spring cushion if it looks bad
control arm bushings, with the other ones
tie rods

I just fix my car

Look at www.my-fiero.com
click on my fiero -> repairs

if it's help

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Fiero GT 1988 2.8V6

my_fiero@hotmail.com
www.my-fiero.com

quote Originally posted by Rickady88GT: You might check the front wheel bearings, push the car (from the front fender) side to side and watch if you can see any movement at the top of the wheel. If the wheel cambers in or out the bearings are bad, you should only see the tire flexing at the bottom with no rim movement. The 88's have no steering stabilizer. Hope this helps

I was told if you pull or push on the top of the wheel and it moves it would be a bad balljoint? My car currently has a intermittent hard pull to right and I pulled on the top of the driver side tire and it moved, so would this be a bad balljoint then or wheel bearings or something else?

Thanks for the help,

Dan

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[This message has been edited by DanFiero (edited 04-03-2003).]

[This message has been edited by DanFiero (edited 04-03-2003).]

If you can have some one push the car side to side while you look under the car you should see where the extra play comes from. The 88 has no rear ball joint and this method works well there. The front may need a little closer look. Yes if the wheel moves it could also be ball joints. Lifting the car you will see less movement (unless you are very strong) Pushing the car side to side uses the car's bulk and momentum to help find any play in the system.

Thanks for the info, now I just have to get my fat butt under the front end and see if I can eye what part might be moving. I appreciate the help, since I'm an extreme novice at car repair.

Dan