I just bought a 91 v6 bird, and im new to third gens. There are a few issues i need to address with the car.

1st, the steering has alot of play. I've done some research and it could be tie rod ends, center drag link, rag joint?

2nd, the right turn signal doesnt work. The lights work, but its just the right turn signal doesnt work. Someone mentioned to me it could be the turn signal lever?

3rd, the foglights dont work. I'm not real sure how to check them.?

4th- i need new shocks, i can just go to checkers for these since im not looking for a performance shock for a v6.

any help is well appreciated

 

Sounds like it's time for a suspension / steering system rebuild. Depending on your budget, you can purchase most of the parts from your local auto parts dealer or go online and research and purchase the parts you'll need. You'll have better luck finding upgraded aftermarket parts online. Summit Racing is a good online source but there are many others too.

Are you able to R&R these parts and systems yourself or will you hire the work out?

If the steering column has issues and many third gens do, you might seek out a shop to rebuild the column for you. There are a few tricks and tools most of us dont have to rebuilding the column. Besides the turn sig issue, a good shop can also replace the nylon nuckles that wear out. Or, it may be to your advantage to simply remove and replace the entire steering column if it has other issues? Wrecking yard find there.. just make sure you get one from the same model year and the key set.

Another wear item in the steering system that often gets overlooked is the steering coupler shaft that (has the rag joint and) is bolted to the steering column. The u joint is often worn and adds slop. That too is a wrecking yard replacement item or it can also be purchased new from Classic Industries.

As far as the struts and shocks go, same as above. Just depends on your overall budget. You can purchase those locally or on line.

Have you checked the fog light bulbs? Tested them with an ohm meter? Replacements can be purchased at your local parts store. If the bulbs are good, the fog light switch might be the next thing to check. Again, check it with your ohm meter to see if it works (you'll have to remove it from the dash). If the switch is bad, check with the vendors here on this site for a good used or new replacement.

You have a lot of work ahead of you so, Good luck! This site is a good source for information. Search or ask and welcome to TGO.

 

1) steering - the car is old enough - probably time for tie rod ends, ball joints, and idler arm. there's also a thread on here somewhere about tightening the bolt on the top of the steering box, do a search for "steering box" and see if you can find/read that

2) if it's only the right turn signal not working, probably just a bulb, replace both front and rear bulbs on right side - with these lighting systems, if the rear signal bulb is blown, the front won't work, and visa versa

3) check fuse and bulbs for the fog lights

4) your choice on shocks - the rear has shocks, the front has struts. you'll need a good length breaker bar, or a 3ft pipe that will fit over your socket wrench for the struts - there are 2 bolts on each that get torqued alot, and are hard to get off - leverage is your friend!

I'd do sway bar end links as well - not expensive, but wear easily - probably never been done.

 

how do i replace the bulbs up front? it looks like a allen head bolt

 

T15 Torx.

 

For the fog lights, checking the bulbs is more than likely the problem. As state above, it is a torx and looks like a star. However if that is not it, make sure the switch is plug in on the dash. There are just a couple of bolts that hold the cluster in. I had a problem like this on a 1991 Firebird I used to have. The previous owner just disconnected the plug. Good luck

 

I would say to replace EVERYTHING. Inner/Outer tie rods and adjusters, idler arm, drag link, sway bar bushings and end links, ball joints, and control arm bushings.

It's a couple of hundred dollars, but it will be a world of difference. The only extra expense is an alignment after you are done and the shop prices for the ball joints and bushings. You can do those yourself, but I don't like to fight them.

Here's an old post about the rag joint:

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/susp...ment-gory.html

It didn't help much, but it was worth the few bucks I think.