Front end bouncing around
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 214
Likes: 76
From: Indianapolis
St. Jude Donor '25
Front end bouncing around
Just got a 72 corvette and over the last 22 years had only 3,000 miles put on it and everything is pretty much original (70,000 miles currently). One of the first things I had to do was replace both inner tie rods and idler arm and also checked/repacked front wheel bearings. I have to also say the tires were new 22 years ago and still appear new and I was hoping to not have to replace. Anyway had the front end aligned and the car jumps around on bumps and some squealing of front left tire when really shouldn't. The tech took it out 5 times tweaking it for alignment so I know he was having trouble. Before I take it back and have it redone my thoughts are as follows: the tires must be replaced (22 year old rubber) and while the shocks seems to dampen properly when I push down on the front I should go ahead and replace as the shocks may be original. Seems really hard to tell whether good or not. Is there anything I may be missing? The tech never indicated any issues and this was a new car Chevrolet dealer.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,632
Likes: 112
From: Great Plains Iowa
Just got a 72 corvette and over the last 22 years had only 3,000 miles put on it and everything is pretty much original (70,000 miles currently). One of the first things I had to do was replace both inner tie rods and idler arm and also checked/repacked front wheel bearings. I have to also say the tires were new 22 years ago and still appear new and I was hoping to not have to replace. Anyway had the front end aligned and the car jumps around on bumps and some squealing of front left tire when really shouldn't. The tech took it out 5 times tweaking it for alignment so I know he was having trouble. Before I take it back and have it redone my thoughts are as follows: the tires must be replaced (22 year old rubber) and while the shocks seems to dampen properly when I push down on the front I should go ahead and replace as the shocks may be original. Seems really hard to tell whether good or not. Is there anything I may be missing? The tech never indicated any issues and this was a new car Chevrolet dealer.
Tires degrade over time and it is recommended they shouldn't be used after only 5 years so your 22 year old tires are just plain dangerous to use.
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 26,563
Likes: 29
From: Northridge California
St. Jude Donor '14
Umm, you need new tires. Like yesterday.
Replace your shocks with Bilstein.
Thank me later.
Edit: Tires are something you should be very very **** about.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 214
Likes: 76
From: Indianapolis
St. Jude Donor '25
Yea I thought it was the obvious answer and I will check out the bilstein shocks. Was concerned about any idiosyncrasies that there may be with this car regarding my issue. thanks
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 214
Likes: 76
From: Indianapolis
St. Jude Donor '25
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,615
Likes: 150
From: Forth Worth TX
With 70k miles and being 43 years old you probably need new ball joints, bearings, rubber bushings, shocks, etc., along with the tires. I'm guessing thats why the tech is having a problem aligning it. Everything is worn and flopping around.
If you fix it right the first time, you'll be done with it.
If you fix it right the first time, you'll be done with it.
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 214
Likes: 76
From: Indianapolis
St. Jude Donor '25
Yes, thanks for the comments. The rear end is another story and plenty in the forum already to educate myself on that one! Already did one axle shaft but have concluded need to replace trailing arms, other half shaft and universal joints on the driveshaft to make it like new. Along with new rotors once I upgrade it to power brakes. That will be my winter project and right now just want to make it safe and drivable at reasonable cost. I'm sure I will be posting to make use of the experience out there.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
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From: Orange Park Florida
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 214
Likes: 76
From: Indianapolis
St. Jude Donor '25
Replaced tires and front shocks
Replaced the tires and front shocks (w/Bilstein) and everything seems as it should be. Combination of the softness in the original shocks and the apparent hardness of the tires seem to have been the problem. I would have never guessed the difference it has made. thanks for the input!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2007
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From: Graceland in a Not Correctly Restored Stingray
