Have a quick question for the front end builders.
When I am going slow in say a parking lot and when I only turn left, the front end on my 85 Z will pop and then if I let go of it the front end will pull the wheel untill it would lock. It also feels like I'm hitting a little bump when "I pop it".
It pulls on its own. After it pops.
Normaly you let go and the steering wheel will straighten out.
I just replaced the inner and outer tie rods and other front end parts on my car, nothing else steering related.
Alignment is good but has the wheel pullen to the left. The wheel centers at about the 1 or 2 o'clock mark.
Bearings on the left side are good, the rights are not quite as tight.
What could it be?
Ball joints?
Alignment?

 

mine did that too. i think someone said it had to do with pressure building up on the front end as you turn the wheel, and the popping is just a release of pressure. but i don't think its harmful. mine actually did that for a long time. i got so used to it, i just kinda forgot about it. i've basically replaced the whole front end minus the a arms and the sway bar.. i don't think it does it any more.. unless i'm just that used to it.

 

My car doesn't make any popping noises and it would **** me off if my wheel didn't go back to center. Is there any play in the steering wheel? I'd start looking for loose worn parts. Ball joints are a good place to start.

 

Almost sounds like the frame cracked around the steering box. Which is a somewhat common issue. To check: open the hood and start the engine. While standing next to the car watch the steering box as you reach in the window and move the steering wheel back and forth.

See how much the box moves around.

RBob.

 

I had the ball joints checked by me and 2 other shops.
They said it was good and they look good to me.
The steering box has some play in it, we ajusted it.
I moved the wheel while watching all the parts moving around and there was no play on the box. I will recheck the box for movements.
I will look closer for cracks. It does have a wonder bar form the factory and 16'' wheels.