Front-End Issues

[Bruce Boatner]

Hit a bump in my 1964 coupe the other day that caused a loud, heart-stopping, metal on metal sounding "thunk". I nursed the car home over the next 8 miles at about 30 miles an hour cringing at every bump and dip in the road in anticipation of further thunks and a possible shower of sparks. After experiencing about 5 more gut wrenching thunk episodes I finally made it home on all 4 wheels. For the prior month or so the front-end had a noticeable shimmy at certain speeds causing the steering wheel to rotate about 1/2 inch up and down. At other speeds and between thunks on that terrifying night the car rode smooth with no apparent problems.

I am a complete front-end novice so please pardon my ignorance. I am going to lift the car up this weekend and would like some advice on what to check for and how to do it. I thought about just biting the bullet and replacing all the ball joints, tie rod ends, bushings, etc. but would hate to do unnecessary work and possibly detract from the value of the car by replacing the original riveted ball joints if they are still in good shape.

I would appreciate any advice or comments on what I should do.

Thanks in advance guys.

[mike mccagh]

Re: Front-End Issues

first thing is check the front shock mounting points. next check front springs for fractures(unlikely) next check the shims(see if they are still there) on the upper a-arm shafts to frame. next check ball joints. then check the frame at the kick-up just in front of rear wheels for rust/dismemberment. then check spindle bearings at rear end. also check the u-joints. i got ya going over front annd rear possibilities as you didn't mention location from which yer "thunks" were eminating from. good luck and let us know culprit. mike

[John Randolph (32950)]

Re: Front-End Issues

Also check the A-arm bushings. They are known to crack and disintegrate with age.

[William Voss (14291)]

Re: Front-End Issues

Bruce

A wheel weight may have come off so check tire balance and check for a bent rim.

[Bruce Boatner]

Re: Front-End Issues

Mike,

The thunk is coming from the right front wheel area. That is the only thing I am sure of as it is painfully obvious.

Thanks for the tips. I will look into all the areas you mentioned. Any hints on how to check the ball joints outside of detaching them as described in the service manual? Do you think the wheel bearings could be the culprit?

Thanks!