Front suspension

[rjkoop]

Guys,
Got the car running well this year. Lots of learning and I'm happy with the results.



Drives well (straight, no pulling even when braking) but noticed some creaking/noise when going over bumps. Was thinking about looking at the suspension more closely. I just don't want to create a ton of work for myself if it's not necessary.

From what I've read I should ensure the ball joints are good (anyone have a link to a simple way of doing this?), all linkages are fine and I should inspect the bushings. For the bushings someone mentioned don't worry about the cracks/state of the bushings but ensure that the metal bolt/rod is centered in the middle of the bushing (ie. the bushing hasn't broken to the point where the metal bolt/rod is touching the metal sleeve it goes through). I just have this feeling that if I need to replace a number of the bushings then I might as well dismantle the entire front suspension.

Here's a few pics in case anything stands out.

[azruss]

your bushings look like they've seen better days. you can try jacking up each wheel from under the shock and shake it hard in and out. Their should be very minor play in the wheel bearing and that is all. Your tire wear will speak volumes. look for edge wear. waves on the tread surface, tread pattern showing angled wear.

[rjkoop]

your bushings look like they've seen better days. you can try jacking up each wheel from under the shock and shake it hard in and out. Their should be very minor play in the wheel bearing and that is all. Your tire wear will speak volumes. look for edge wear. waves on the tread surface, tread pattern showing angled wear.

Thanks. I think the A-arms look like they are in pretty good shape but I'll definitely check the ball joints and replace if I see any play. Tire wear looks fairly even. I'm thinking I'll replace all the bushings. Probably go for this kit.

http://www.autoricambi.us/product/SU2-4 ... shing-Set/

And...
2x - http://www.autoricambi.us/product/SU2-4 ... r-Bushing/
2x - http://www.autoricambi.us/product/SU2-4 ... r-Bushing/

And I guess this...
http://www.autoricambi.us/product/SU0-4 ... --1983-85/

Not sure about what this is called though...



Guess I'll have to take a closer look.


Probably end up I'll take everything apart anyways... But I'm sure I'll learn something.

[garion]

That torn boot is on the center link.. It definitely should be replaced..

[rjkoop]

All bolts came off/loosened without issue... Found this was best method for loosening the bolt connecting the ball joint to the knuckle.



Broken boot for bottom ball joint but not too surprised.



No surprises so far but I'll probably still replace control arms.



Wheel wells look pretty good.

Drivers...


Passengers...


Should I spray using rocker panel black while I have everything apart?

Shocks are KY GR-2. Original?



With a little pressure I can fully compress and then pull open again. No signs of leaking and no binding/sticking during compression. Worth replacing while redoing suspension or just cleanup?

Ready for spring compressor and pickle fork (thanks Jay!).

[So Cal Mark]

kyb was not original, those should be a low pressure gas shock so they will extend by themselves after you compress them

[rjkoop]

kyb was not original, those should be a low pressure gas shock so they will extend by themselves after you compress them

Definitely didn't extend on their own. So probably should replace and for the cost of the new shocks I think it's a no-brainer.

Richard

[4uall]

Bought mine from Partsource

[rjkoop]

With Jay's help got the springs and controls arms off the car no problemo. The spring compressor, jack under the ball joint area, raise the jack a bit, take out upper control arm bolt and lower jack worked perfectly. I follow this guide.

http://www.autoricambi.us/cgi/commerce. ... ement.html

Just trying to take apart the center link.



Is this a good place to use the pickle fork? It seems kind of stuck but I didn't want to hit it too hard.

[tsunami01]

http://i1050.photobucket.com/albums/s40 ... 491564.jpg i believe this may be an original front shock. removed from my 78 .shows 39000 miles. no way to confirm original mileage.

[tsunami01]

painfully obvious i have not figured the post a pic out yet.

[garion]

I used this: http://www.harborfreight.com/3-4-quarte ... 99849.html
to separate my tierods and center link (and soon, my ball joints!).

In this case, I would take the nuts off, remove the heat shield, then put the nuts back on a few threads (keeps things from flying when they finally separate), then then use the tool above.

[rjkoop]

I used this: http://www.harborfreight.com/3-4-quarte ... 99849.html
to separate my tierods and center link (and soon, my ball joints!).

In this case, I would take the nuts off, remove the heat shield, then put the nuts back on a few threads (keeps things from flying when they finally separate), then then use the tool above.

Thanks. We have princess auto and cdn tire up in canada. I'll check there. Saw a few videos where they said hitting the housing/bracket with a heavy sledge a couple of times should allow the piece to just fall out. Sounds too good to be true though...

[4uall]

Partsource also has a loaner program

[rjkoop]

Partsource also has a loaner program

Thanks Jay. I'll check them out!