ta22 steering/suspension problem

[Element88]

Hey guys,

recently bought my first ta22, drove it up from vic to sydney, running sweet on the highways

however, now that i have it on normal roads that are not what you would call the flattest in syd, and the car is basically dancing/floating all over the lane, it just doesnt like to sit in one place. its quite frankly, scary driving

speeds being between 70-80 k/h

now, the steering wheel has got a little play in it, which is the only this i can identify so far. But is it enough to cause this instabilty?

cheers

Joel

[Turdinator]

The steering on 22s is probably their biggest weakness. The steering box its self wears and creates play, each of the ball joints in the steering linkage can wear out and cause play, the bush in the idler arm wears out and causes play. If the caster rod or control arm bushes wear out they can cause play.

In short it could be a heap of different things. Even dodgy tires or a bad wheel alignment can cause problems. Best bet is take it to somewhere like pedders and get them to diagnose the problems, then you can decide to fix it yourself or get it fixed.

Could also be worn out shocks.

[Little Rippa]

what a pitty bud. i know you were real pleased with it when you dropped by and she lokks like itl be a beauty someday when youve done some more work on it like replacing that chrome trim etc...one nice car though. good luck

Jake

[Element88]

haha, thanks jake

anyways, found out what the problem was when i took it to a mechanic this morning

turns out that the steering idler arm on the left side was worn, so i'm chasing around for one of them, that and the rebuilt diff that is getting done should bring her up to scratch mechanical wise

Joel

[Little Rippa]

sounds good mate. you gonna install the arm yourself? and was it the driveshaft bearing in the diff?? good luck mate, hope the bill is affordable

Jake

[fade-e]

mate powermax make all the parts if you need... go to supercheap auto or something and look it up in the powermax book

[J-M kujala]

also bended rear axle housing is done some problem to me, there was not at all at toe in, only little bit toe out

all new bearing / joints and bushings to steering, and check rear axle

[Element88]

yea, tried supercheap, the buggers wanted basically $200 for an arm

but a few forum members seem to be helpin me out idler arm wise

might cruize round to someone more specialized in suspension/steering and get it looked over properly, to see if there is anything else that looks suss

thanks guys

Joel

[fade-e]

yeah theya re a bit steep for prices, bui believe the are the only company that still amkes them now (powermaxx that is).

hell they wasnt $150 for 1 engine mount for a T series motor

I think it would be cheaper tog et some old ones and have them changed to urethane bushes...

cheers

[Little Rippa]

urethane ay??? havent heard of bushes being made from that before. i know they make them from nylon but never heard of urethane ones.

Jake

[fade-e]

im talking bout the engine mounts... take the rubber bush part out (seperate from plates) and glue (or whatever) urethane ones.

last longer and stronger (is this an AMI add ) but transfers more vibration through the chasis and hence car.

[Little Rippa]

ah yeah right i get ya now.