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Posted by: KaptKaos Jul 6 2003, 10:58 AM

Hello All,

Gonna jack up the '73 1.7 today and take a look at the front right suspension. I got me a little shimmy up there and I am not sure what it is from. The shimmy is at its worst (which isn't too bad, but noticeable) when going straight. It virtually disappears when turing in either direction.

Any helpful hints on what/where to look?

Thanks,
Joe
73 1.7

Posted by: kdfoust Jul 6 2003, 11:04 AM

Check wheel bearings for play.
Tie rod ends (play, cracked boots).
Ball joint (play, cracked boots).
If all those look good try rotating front tires to back to see if it changes/disappears.

Good luck,
Kevin

Posted by: KaptKaos Jul 6 2003, 11:15 AM

Kevin,

Are there any adjustments I can make to toghten things up in there? If so, what tools would I need?

Thanks,
Joe

Posted by: anthony Jul 6 2003, 11:19 AM

When was the last time the tires were balanced?

Posted by: KaptKaos Jul 6 2003, 11:24 AM

It has been a while and I need new tires, but I am fairly sure its not the tires. There is some play in wheel that is not in the left side. I check this last time I had it up. I think it has gotten worse.

- Joe

Posted by: kdfoust Jul 6 2003, 11:43 AM

TREs and ball joints are non-adjustable.

Wheel bearings are adjustable: (no special tools required)
jack up car,
pull wheel,
spin hub making sure it feels smooth and doesn't make any poping or screeching sounds (if it does make noises or feel cranky leave car alone, and order wheel bearings),
pop off metal cover at center of wheel,
metric allen wrench to loosen collar clamp,
tighten collar a little bit,
until you can just barely move the underlying washer with a screw driver,
re-tighten collar clamp with allen,
put cover back on,
wheel back on,
grab and shake wheel to see if there's still play.

While you're in there make sure there's grease and keep everything clean.

Don't overtighten, it'll kill the bearings prematurely.
Repeat as needed

Have fun,
Kevin

Posted by: SirAndy Jul 6 2003, 11:48 AM

maybe you lost a weight from the balancing ...

Posted by: KaptKaos Jul 7 2003, 09:09 AM

Kevin,

I tighten that collar from about 5 o'clock to about 7 o'clock. I think it has helped. I will keep you posted. Thanks for the advice.

- Joe

Posted by: kdfoust Jul 7 2003, 01:04 PM

No worries.

Keep an eye on it. If it want's to be adjusted again soon it's time for new bearings.

Good luck,
Kevin