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Front end vibration - highway speeds 120-130 1966

posted by  Budcoldweiser on  Sun Aug 31 05:54 CST 2008
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last visit: Sat Aug 30 15:03 CST 2014
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Ever since I have had it, my 122 has had a slight, yet irritating vibration in the steering at highway speeds. It occurs around 60 mph and seems to also be dependent on having pressure on the steering linkage. By this I mean that it is more noticable when I am slightly changing direction as if merging or changing position on the highway or correcting when driving in windy conditions. When driving completely straight on a calm day, the vibration is often not noticeable. Also, while negociating a significant corner, the vibration is not present. So far, I have replaced all of the front end bushings with exception to the idler arm bushing and the sway bar to frame bushing. (about three years ago) I have replaced all four shocks. I have replaced all four ball joints. I have greased the bearings. I have had four new tires installed on the car. I have checked that the tie rod ends are not loose. I have had the toe adjusted. I have oiled and adjusted the steering box.
I have noticed a clicking sound as the steering gear is moved at low speeds.
Could the clicking sound be caused by a dry tie rod end... even though it still feels tight? Could this be causing the vibration?
Could the camber and/or inclination be out of adjustment? I have yet to find a shop that will adjust anything but toe. I would appreciate any ideas/advice on this matter. Thank you in advance.
-Matt








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    Front end vibration - highway speeds 120-130 1966

    posted by  RepairmanJackal on  Sun Aug 31 09:51 CST 2008
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    have you ever had your hubs balanced? vibration usually means a problem tire, but if you have new tires, I'd be sure there were no issues with the wheel hubs.

    Clicking while steering could be very serious joints and whatnot. If you have checked the tie rods for play under load, you will not feel any movement. Jack the car up under the lower A-arm on each side, then check the tie rods, and center links. These parts are quite inexpensive and it would be worth it to replace them if you do not know exactly how old they are.

    I myself experienced abnormal tie rod wear due to blown lower A arm bushings.
    The bad lower bushings caused all manner of weird noises.

    If you have checked the rods and links without load, also check the steering system with both front wheels off the ground (using a car jack, not creative hill-jumping). Try to re-create the click and isolate it.

    bad sway bar bushings usually cause knocks as the bar smacks against the frame spars...






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