mutt71
Expect nothing and you will never be disappointed.
Many of the suspension parts have either arrived or will be, over the next few days. I still have to order the center link and the Manual steering box. Then I can get the front end aligned.
Steering issue with my '69 Sport Satellite
- Thread starter mutt71
- Start date
440roadrunner
Well-Known Member
I don't know why you would need the center link. It is not a wear part. Sometimes due to things coming loose, improper parts or installation, the taper in the holes become damage, or it may be bent from an accident. I would ask for an explanation. You can install / have installed the steering box at a later time without disrupting the alignment
mutt71
Expect nothing and you will never be disappointed.
440roadrunner, I was wondering why as well. It may just well be that the front suspension was so bad that they put it on the list of necessary parts. I bought all that I could afford last week, and I am waiting on my next check (one week from now) and will order the rest of the parts at that time . I remember that the Technician told me that these parts have got to be replaced, because of excessive wear and tear. He is an older guy, like myself and not some young kid.
67Satty
Well-Known Member
I have to agree with the center link not being a wear item that would need to be replaced. I replaced EVERYTHING related to steering and front suspension on my '67 Satellite EXCEPT the center link because at the time it didn't occur to me that it was something that would ever need to be replaced. It's just a steel bar with a couple holes on each end. I'm skeptical about the steering box too. I replaced my power steering box with a used manual steering box I bought on eBay. All I did was adjust the worm gear and fill it with grease and it works fine. As for the rest of it, yes, replace everything.
mutt71
Expect nothing and you will never be disappointed.
Thank you for the input 67satty. I WILL look into the worm gear and the grease and see if that works out for me, in my case. If it doesn't work out, I can buy one to replace it. Thanks again and I will post the results here.
bkleenfltx
Well-Known Member
Once again 440 is spot on. I agree 100%. yes you do need to check all these items above...Dennis will "steer" you right as well as the other guys and props to them as well.
If you're going to Midas....unless one of us owns it ... you might as well be shopping at Walmart. Listen to the diagnois and WAIT!!! as stated you need the advice of an old school guy that will give you a good response. OR you can waste your money...when I walk in a Midas and know more than the mechanics????? I dont stay and pay.
Example I picked up my 68 Sport...she did the SAME THING as yours. All I've done is put new tires on and she drives MUCH better...is she cured? NO! but the point is she drives much better with proper tires. Get those first and ask for a simple alignment. IF the steering box, idler arm, sway bar bushings, caster and camber items are in need ...they will be SURE to tell you so they can sell you a 1000.00 worth of work!
If you're going to Midas....unless one of us owns it ... you might as well be shopping at Walmart. Listen to the diagnois and WAIT!!! as stated you need the advice of an old school guy that will give you a good response. OR you can waste your money...when I walk in a Midas and know more than the mechanics????? I dont stay and pay.
Example I picked up my 68 Sport...she did the SAME THING as yours. All I've done is put new tires on and she drives MUCH better...is she cured? NO! but the point is she drives much better with proper tires. Get those first and ask for a simple alignment. IF the steering box, idler arm, sway bar bushings, caster and camber items are in need ...they will be SURE to tell you so they can sell you a 1000.00 worth of work!
mutt71
Expect nothing and you will never be disappointed.
I have NO doubt about the quality of the advice given here and am very thankful for all of them. While I am not eager to part with my money, if a part needs replacement, I will replace it. My feeling is "better safe, than sorry".
440roadrunner
Well-Known Member
Some "more"
If there is any way in the world to "swing" it monetarily, I would attempt to have things replaced in such a way that you don't have to re-cover old ground.
It is VERY likely that the rubber parts are worn, deteriorated and sagging. If at all possible, even if you have to do one side at a time, I would try and get the rubber bushings ALL replaced.
You can leave the upper balls and upper arm bushings for last
I would, however, at least try to get the lower bushings replaced, so that when you change the lower ball(s) you don't have to "go back in" later.
I still think the center link is most likely a waste. If there is no sign of "wreck" damage, and if the tapered holes fit the various studs, that is an expensive waste of money.
If there is any way in the world to "swing" it monetarily, I would attempt to have things replaced in such a way that you don't have to re-cover old ground.
It is VERY likely that the rubber parts are worn, deteriorated and sagging. If at all possible, even if you have to do one side at a time, I would try and get the rubber bushings ALL replaced.
You can leave the upper balls and upper arm bushings for last
I would, however, at least try to get the lower bushings replaced, so that when you change the lower ball(s) you don't have to "go back in" later.
I still think the center link is most likely a waste. If there is no sign of "wreck" damage, and if the tapered holes fit the various studs, that is an expensive waste of money.
mutt71
Expect nothing and you will never be disappointed.
I am on the same page with you, in regards to replacing things and doing all at the same time and not going in again and again. Thanks again!
mutt71
Expect nothing and you will never be disappointed.
I just ordered the last of the parts needed to fix the steering issue. I located a manual steering box from a guy in NH. I'll be going there to pick it up on Saturday. I hope to get them installed some time next week.
mutt71
Expect nothing and you will never be disappointed.
I had the car into my regular Mechanical shop today. I did not tell them anything except that the steering was acting up. They confirmed that the steering box was no good. They said that once I have the "new" manual steering box, to bring the car in and they will tear it all out and replace everything with the parts that I have gathered.
440roadrunner
Well-Known Member
Keep us informed. Best of luck. I've heard countless stories of inept front end shops in the last few years.
mutt71
Expect nothing and you will never be disappointed.
I certainly will 440roadrunner. I hope to have the parts removed and replaced in the next week or so. And Thanks for all of the help. It is most appreciated.
mutt71
Expect nothing and you will never be disappointed.
I went to this past weekend to pick up two parts, one was the steering box, the other was a used RR Hood. When I got there, the guy told me that his Dad had sold the steering box. I DID come home with the hood though.
EDIT:
I just bought a rebuilt one and it is now inbound to my house.
EDIT:
I just bought a rebuilt one and it is now inbound to my house.
mutt71
Expect nothing and you will never be disappointed.
ALL parts have arrived. I will have them installed and then have it aligned.
mutt71
Expect nothing and you will never be disappointed.
My Satty is in the shop to get this steering issue taken care of once and for all. I will let you all know what the final verdict is, once I find out.
440roadrunner
Well-Known Member
Wish you the best. I just spent a wasted morning chasing a CL ad, lying seller.......................
mutt71
Expect nothing and you will never be disappointed.
I am sorry to hear that, 440roadrunner. That really sucks. I just talked to the shop where my car is and he said that he replaced the front end parts, without taking the steering box out and the front end is tight, as it should be and steers just fine. As I have a new set of Magnum 500's and BF Goodrich Radial T/A's coming within the next week, he told me that I should get the Alignment done at that point. If I could do cartwheels, I would be doing them now. Many Thanks to everyone that posted advice for me to follow. You guys are great!
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