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Car jerks while driving

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Old Mar 11, 2013 | 02:47 AM
  #1  
Idrivenaked's Avatar
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Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 8
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From: Portland, Oregon
Car: 1989 Chevrolet Camaro RS
Engine: 2.8L v6
Car jerks while driving

I really only notice it when I'm driving on the freeway but as I'm driving it always goes side to side, like its following the ruts in the freeway, as I'm driving. I still need to get it aligned but I just wanted to know if anyone else has this problem. The steering itself is super tight! Like there's no play in the wheel AT ALL.

ANY AND ALL HELP IS WELCOME!
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Old Mar 11, 2013 | 07:10 AM
  #2  
Rickey_85TA's Avatar
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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 106
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From: Auburn, GA
Car: 1985 Pontiac Trans Am
Engine: 305 (5.0L) TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 9 Bolt Borg Warner Posi-traction
Re: Car jerks while driving

When was the last time all of these parts were replaced?
Center link, idler arm, tie rod ends (inner and outer), front wheel bearings (inner and outer)
Also, adjust the steering gear box or replace it.
Getting an alignment will not fix the "side to side" wondering wile driving if the parts are wore out.
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Old Mar 11, 2013 | 09:14 AM
  #3  
Idrivenaked's Avatar
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Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 8
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From: Portland, Oregon
Car: 1989 Chevrolet Camaro RS
Engine: 2.8L v6
Re: Car jerks while driving

I have no idea, I bought it a few days ago and the person I bought it from said it has 120k miles.
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Old Mar 11, 2013 | 10:21 AM
  #4  
Idrivenaked's Avatar
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Joined: Mar 2013
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From: Portland, Oregon
Car: 1989 Chevrolet Camaro RS
Engine: 2.8L v6
Re: Car jerks while driving

Originally Posted by Rickey_85TA
When was the last time all of these parts were replaced?
Center link, idler arm, tie rod ends (inner and outer), front wheel bearings (inner and outer)
Also, adjust the steering gear box or replace it.
Getting an alignment will not fix the "side to side" wondering wile driving if the parts are wore out.
From looking under the hood and inside the car it seems like someone bought it as a project car and after getting the motor in they decided to stop, because there's no way the kid I bought it from did this and that engine is super pristine for an 89.
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Old Mar 12, 2013 | 05:54 AM
  #5  
Rickey_85TA's Avatar
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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 106
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From: Auburn, GA
Car: 1985 Pontiac Trans Am
Engine: 305 (5.0L) TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 9 Bolt Borg Warner Posi-traction
Re: Car jerks while driving

I forgot to include front lower ball joints to the above list.

One way to find out if the steering linkage is loose; is to jack up the passenger side front wheel, off the ground, and wiggle the wheel back and forth (like your trying to turn the wheels left to right). There should be no slack or very minimal movement, it should feel very solid. Repeat for the driver side wheel.

Also, if you can get a friend to help, craw under the front end while it's in the air and watch the linkage and pitman arm on the steering gear box for movement while your helper wiggles the wheel back and forth.
If the pitman arm moves then you need to adjust or replace the gear box.
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