Fairlane 1967 Wanders

My buddies Fairlane wanders when highway driving. Any suggestions particular to this car? Great car, just won "people's choice" at show. Doug

Reply to
SkipperDoug
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Check front end for play in steering linkage. Idler arms were notorious for being worn. If it has power steering, check the joint where the pitman arm joins the center link. If all that checks out ok, it will need a proper fr wheel alignment. Not enough toe-in will do that. Good luck!

Reply to
rjtvd

Check the "rag joint" on the steering column shaft as it connects to the steering box too. Check the upper and lower control arm bushings, idler arm, tie rods, as they tend to wear out quickly on these era cars. If you replace any of the suspension components, have a good shop re-align the front end.

best of luck

Frank

Reply to
Frank from Deeeetroit

If this is the typical unibody design with coil over the upper A frame check the following.

tie rod ends ball joints upper control arm bushings stabilizer bar bushings / links if so equipped soft rear springs worn shocks worn/loose caster/camber adjustment points (oval washer between two metal tabs.

If it has a hydralic ram power assist rather than true power steering check the frame mounting point of the ram for frame issues, especially in rust belt states.

These unibady cars respond well to aftermarket stabilizer bars, export brackets across the shock towers, etc.

Reply to
Steve Stone

Everyone has mentioned excellent points to check. If the idler arm has never been replaced you can be fairly certain it is worn if the car has been driven. It made a night and day difference on my '67 and '68 Galaxies. Anyhow, you may want to have a friend in the car turn the steeting wheel slowly side to side while you are under the car and cehck for play. Start with the rag joint and work your way to the spindles. Look for anything that has a delay in movement.

Also, you may want to check your strut rods and strut rod bushings. They can allow the lower control arms to wander a bit if worn/brittle/nonexistant. Obviously check all other bushings too. While you're under the car break out the grease gun and lube everything.

Cory

Reply to
Cory Dunkle

no one said this ... tires are they radials or bias alignment ... has it been done? on these older cars prolly just worn tierods and idler arms but yes check the steering coluum for play between the steering gear and the firewall. also VERY IMPORTANT.. older cras have an adjustment on the sector shaft of the steering gear (usually directly above the output shaft) looks like a nut with an allen key bolt in the middle. DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN CONSULT MANUAL UNLESS YOU KNOW HOW TO ADJUST.

Reply to
Rob

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