'77 questions

Mark_vaughn · Post by **Mark_vaughn** » Sat Jul 08, 2006 12:08 am

I just bought a '77 model spider today. (Finally convinced the wife...).

It is in as good of shape as a 30 year old car should be, but I have a few concerns.

-The steering wheel has about 3-4 inches of play before engaging the wheels. A concern over 45mph. How do I fix that?

-The front suspension probably needs alot of work but I dont know where to start. It makes alot of noise over ANY bump in the road no matter how small. Mostly on the driver's side. But I can't make it rattle when I shake the wheel, and it doesnt feel loose on the road. Any thoughts on where I should start?

Thanks in advance.

nickfury · Post by **nickfury** » Sat Jul 08, 2006 12:51 am

i wouldent drive it till you get the front looked at. ball joint falures can be A VERY BIG PROBLEM!!! but enjoy yor new old fiat.
Dave

racydave · Post by **racydave** » Sat Jul 08, 2006 8:55 am

My 79 had the same noise, was bushings in control arms, also needed ball joints. We tightened the adj on the steering box and lost all free travel in steering. If you are not mech inclined, take to shop! I purchaced a cheap spring compressor, and it was just good enough to remove springs, which is a scarey thing, springs will take you out! Be carefulll. Since I needed upper ball joints ( lowers are usually first to go ) and bushings, I replaced upper control arms ($50. plus) and re bushed lowers. All parts are attainable. Also add fluid to Idler arm assbly on pass side. Goood luck! Dave

So Cal Mark · Post by **So Cal Mark** » Sat Jul 08, 2006 10:47 am

have someone turn the steering wheel back and forth while you look at the steering linkage. If they only move the wheel the 3-4" loose range, you should be able to see where the play is in the front end. But like the earlier suggestion, it may be time to do a complete front suspension rebuild. Then you'll know it's safe to drive

Mark_vaughn · Post by **Mark_vaughn** » Sat Jul 08, 2006 11:24 am

Thanks for the info. Any suggestions on where to order the parts from? Good experiences/prices?

Mark_vaughn · Post by **Mark_vaughn** » Sat Jul 08, 2006 12:14 pm

Guys, never overlook the obvious...

The front bumper is about to fall off this car!! It is missing the bolts on one side and is held on by the plastic cover and the other side the bolts are VERY loose. Makes for a noisy piece of metal.

I am going to do the suspension work as my ultimate goal is autocross, but it is nice to know my car isnt falling apart so soon!

So Cal Mark · Post by **So Cal Mark** » Sat Jul 08, 2006 2:53 pm

looking on the bright side, if the front bumper falls off you will lighten the front end by 45lbs!

Mark_vaughn · Post by **Mark_vaughn** » Mon Jul 10, 2006 10:10 am

I just ordered all the parts for the suspension. I didn't order tie rod ends though. Anybody know how to tell if these need replacement?

I will let everyone know how much improvement it makes.

So Cal Mark · Post by **So Cal Mark** » Mon Jul 10, 2006 2:16 pm

tie rod ends are fairly cheap, I'd replace them unless they look new. Since they are sealed units and don't get lubed, they wear out just as fast as all of the other parts. Look at the center link also, and make sure the steering dampner has fluid in it

'77 questions

'77 questions

Thanks

Found the problem!!

Suspension