gtz steering issues

[ColdsnowUSMC]

well since bstuff is down, guess ill post it here...


some of you might have read the topic on bstuff.

the gtz i just bought has a lot of play in the steering wheel. when i take it down the road and try to turn right there is a few inches of play before the wheels turn. i brought it back to the driveway and raised it. the right side feels really loose. i can grab the tire and pull it pretty much any way i want to. i also turned the wheel with the car off and the issue wasnt there. there was no play at all. i tried to pull the wheel off, but there are different sized lug nuts on the front wheels and i didnt have a socket that size. when i get it pulled of ill take some pics.

im pretty sure there is more than one problem with the steering on this car. im going to take it to a shop and get an estimate when i get it registered, and then ill fix what i can myself.

while i was under the car, i also found a lot more rust than i bargained for. i think im going to have the whole car blasted and then go from there. i may have to wait until i move out to texas to start tearing too far into it. anyways here are some misc pics i took of it.

this is right underneath the driver door


driver side


passenger side


more on the driver side


trying to keep more rust from forming

[1988GTU]

That rust is very common with these cars and many others (cavaliers, corsicas, sunbirds etc etc) .
When you jack it up and pull on the wheel from top and bottom can you get it to give?  How about trying to move it side to side?  
Also check the bulk head for rust around the steering rack.  Sometimes they rust out there and need new metal welded in its place.

[JeffD]

I don't know about the tarp thing, your trapping moisture in there and it's collecting on the car. the best thing to do is park it over gravel or pavement, not grass.
It sounds to me like you have some serious front suspension problems, particularly tie rod ends. it sounds like your rack may need to be adjusted too, there is a bolt head on the bottom and a lock on it, it looks like a large hex around the bolt head. loosen the lock and bottom out the bolt head. reverse the bolt one entire flat of the bolt head and tighten the Lock. thats how to adjust freeplay in the rack.  

[SuzukiGhostRider]

Tie Rod Ends, Rack Play, sounds like to me. Possible ball joints too. Good luck. Get rid of the tarp, you're egging the problem on. Garage or if you don't have one or the room, gravel or concrete parking space as previously mentioned.

[Mr. Beefy]

I'll agree with the above saying ditch the tarp.....


You should be lucky cause you have a holy car!

Seriously though the rockers rotting like that is a VERY common problem with these cars. And as saidd above and over on Bstuff, look for play in the ball joints, tie rod ends, bad struts, and play in the rack connection to the firewall.

[ColdsnowUSMC]

tarp wont be staying on. just until this storm here passes. ill take it off in the morning if the storm is over. believe me i know the tarp isnt a good long term solution. i figure the small amount of condensation is better than gallons of water getting where it shouldnt. i only plan on using that when i know there is a storm coming. and i know you cant tell from the pic, but its actually sitting on a gravel/sand mixture.

the tire will move from left to right, but not really top to bottom. i think im going to go buy some new tie rod ends and put em on, and see what that does. if its enough to safely drive it im going to take it to a shop for a front end alignment and have them look at the steering/front suspension.

*edit*
one thing i could see with the tire still on is the tie rod end was really loose.

[SuzukiGhostRider]

When you replace the tie rod ends, etch a mark where the current ones are so you can get your alignment close. GL.