Ok so I've had my 88 RS for a short period of time now and I noticed I have a significant pull to the right. I want to get that set straight but from what I've researched and read these cars are usually in need of steering parts to be right because if they are worn they wont hold an alignment anyways.

I dont fully understand how the steering system works on these cars, but I had the car up on ramps earlier today as I was installing my Iroc swaybars+wonderbar. It looks as though its basically plug and play but I'd like to know for sure.

What work is included in changing the steering parts and what parts would I be changing? Is it easy enough to just do without having experience? Special tools?

 

Usually, pull = tires

I'd try swapping the 2 front tires from side to side, before getting all worked up about changing parts. That would be almost like WORK, and you wouldn't want to go THERE if you can avoid it.

 

It did it with the old almost bald tires it came with and I put on 4 brand new tires a few weeks ago and didnt change any.

 

Another thing to take a look at, would be the brakes.... a bad rubber line will make the car pull toward that side, by restricting the fluid and keeping the brake partly applied. You can tell if it's that, because the wheel on that side will get hotter than the one on the other side.

Alignment rarely causes a "pull", by itself. It causes wander, tire wear, and all sorts of other bad things; but not generally a "pull".

But, if you just want to change out the steering parts, it's not that hard; you can do that yourself. You'd need the idler arm center link, all 4 rod ends, and the adjusting sleeves. You could replace all that yourself and then get it aligned, if you wanted to.

 

Actually I was thinking along the same lines as what you just said...wondering about the brakes and I cant make up my mind. I need to get the pads and see if everything is working ok. I just figured the liklihood was that its crooked or something from my friend driving it who sold it to me. I know things are different on these cars but on my Linc I had tire wear from a bad inner tie rod which had like a 1/4 inch play in it where I could move tire in and out. I havent tried to see if there is play yet on this car.

I was just figuring that if I was going to do an alignment I better put new front end parts first to make it worthwhile.

 

A bad alignment CAN cause a pull BUT changing your steering components won't fix it. Steering components only need to be changed if there is 'play'. If you can move the steering wheel without the wheels moving, there is play in the steering.
If your steering wheel is tight but your car pulls, you need to get an alignment.
Before you do however, I would put the car in the air and check for play in the wheels. Side to side and up and down, if it's tight take it to a GOOD alignment shop. You need to find someone that can recognize a bent strut, not just correct the alignment for it.

About the brakes, do they effect when the car pulls?

Ben

 

*Double Post*

 

Well its hard to explain....sometimes I dont think it changes on the brakes and sometimes it seems to track straight on the brakes but at low speeds like stop and go. I'm not sure yet.

I need to lift it up and check for play like you said. I just figure about everything is stock for over 115k miles so it'd be time to change most of it anyways. If not for the ride height issue I'd change to V8 springs and shocks/struts and all too.

I do know the brakes are in need of some kind of attention although I may not want to do it. Its got some vibration with moderate pressure on pedal so I'm guessing rotors are warped. I've been doing alot of things on the car and brakes are on the list, just havent got there yet. I bought the rear pads but need fronts too probably.

I noticed the panhard rod was loose on one side too. Another thing on my list to upgrade....so much money to be spent. Trying to pace myself. I keep forgetting this is a beater and the Mustang is my hotrod

 

Ouote:
I keep forgetting this is a beater and the Mustang is my hotrod

Easy there partner, lets not forget where we're hanging out here.

With that many miles and all stock parts there are probably a lot of things that need to be replaced. They are not that expensive if you do all the wrok yourself but it sounds like you have other prioroities. Let us know when you've narrowed down the symptoms a little better and we'll see if we can save you some money.

Ben

 

Well I've been spendin all my money on other camaro parts. The mustang hasnt had a dollar spent on it in a couple months.

Steerin wheel, swaybars, tail lights, tires, stereo, grill, exhaust, water pump, steering pump, tune up, misc fixes. Thats the first two months of having it now.

I wanna make the thing bad to the bone but its gonna be paced over a long period. Doin as much work myself as possible. Now that I've got a garage and driveway to work on I can do pretty much anything that doesnt require a lift or shop equipment.