Finally got around to checking the front end of my car this weekend: Started out by checking the PS pump, checked out ok, no noise. Body bushings showed signs of wear but were ok.
Checked the clearances, appeared to be ok when standing still, but when I removed the wheel I discovered that the driver side wheel is hitting in 3 places! It is hitting at the rear outer corner of the wheel well at the very bottom, the back of the wheel well about ¾ of the way up and the very inside of the wheel well at about the same spot. I believe this is where my noise was coming from; I didn’t notice this until I had the tire off because it apparently only hits when under load and there were no visible signs of rubbing. How can I fix this? It is barely hitting. Will wheel spacer’s work??? Is there an adjustment that can be made to the A arms to move the wheel forward???
I also followed Vikki’s instructions and found that wheel bearings were shot on the passenger side, it was like a ratchet when turning it. I had to take the drums off though to make sure that it wasn’t the shoes rubbing. Oh and by the way, I have a bit of a Frankenstein car, 68 drums on the passenger side and 67 (staked) drums on the driver’s side. Gotta love it! Needless to say I replaced the bearings on both sides and the tires turn smooth as silk.
Also used Vikki’s instructions and checked the linkages and ball joints, they were solid, no give or noise but the upper ball joint grease seals were blown apart. Do they need to be replaced?
Other than these two things everything was rock solid and in good shape. Thanks for all your help.
