Front End Replacements and Steering Advice Needed

[jimmycakes401]

I need to start taking care of the front end of my car. Everything is original. The steering is a bit loose. Where should I start? Something simple. A few weekend projects. I don't have money to do A-arms right now, but any other suggestions would be great. I need to order some new lugs, so I would like to tack on a few extra parts for replacement. Eventually I want to replace everything. Or at least everything I can.

1981 FI model

And, many of you already know I've been having a rough time , so anything I can replace now to avoid issues later would be GREAT.

[fiat218]

Grind the riviots off the ball joints if the A arm is god and install new all joints

[jimmycakes401]

Some folks recommend replacing the whole a arm rather than go through that. I'm looking through parts right now. I'm guessing you ground off your's in lieu of replacing whole thing.

[fiat218]

If there good,save the cash and replace the bushing

[fiat218]

Some folks recommend replacing the whole a arm rather than go through that. I'm looking through parts right now. I'm guessing you ground off your's in lieu of replacing whole thing.

I did on one side, it was good and I had to replace the ball joints

[wizard124]

Have you checked for fluid in the steering dampner and the steering box? My dampner was empty. Adding 90wt made the steering feel tighter and less backlash from rough pavement.

I recently rebuilt my front end. http://www.fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopic ... a&start=60
This is a job i would recommend you tackle all at once. If you can determine a faulty ball joint, bad wheel bearing, bushing that is causing your "looseness" , you could replace it. But there is alot of effort/time involved in jacking the car, pulling the wheels, compressing the springs, and removing the shocks just to get to that bj or bushing.

[jimmycakes401]

Thanks! I have not checked any of those fluids. Thanks! Will check those today.

[Fi8spider]

This thread contains a link to an idler arm pull down, inspection and refill that maybe handy to know.
http://www.fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopic ... &sk=t&sd=a

[jimmycakes401]

Good link! I've got some reading to do on that. I have so much play though, I'm guessing somethings worn. I'll be poking around, moving things and see what's up. And now I can take a day and check out the idler etc... sweet.

[kbee00]

As you know I've replaced just about the entire front end - and still have lots of steering wheel play but that is the steering box which I knew about from the beginning.

My 2 cents worth - if you see a bushing with a torn boot, replace it. And it's partner. as for A-arms - it is probably easier to replace the whole thing - but the ball joints are inexpensive and can be installed with a bit of work - you will save some money -depends on money vs time for you.

I wasn't aware of the damper fluid thing - something more for me to check. Also, I did my wheel bearings and there is still some growling - I don't like the design FIAT used for retaining the nuts on the front axles - my MGB used a castle nut with cotter a pin - 2 holes drilled thru the axle about 45 deg apart gave a lot ability to get the nut the right tension. Plus the nuts could be used over and over again. I am going to make this mod on my car when its up for winter work.

good luck with your project!

kbee00