I'm going to go out on a limb and say the tires are radials and not bias ply tires, so we can rule them out.
Check tie rods and center/drag link. Squeeze the pivots on each with a pair of slip joint pliers, gently. You shouldn't get more than 1/8 of an inch movement. If so, replace the faulty parts(s).
Two people needed for this. Place the trans in Park, set the parking brake and block one rear wheel front and back. Raise the front wheels off the ground.
Check wheel bearings. Grasp top and bottom of tire and move in and out. There should be no play. If there is, repack and adjust wheel bearings.
One person in the cab holding the steering wheel FIRMLY, with the steering unlocked. Other person next to driver side front wheel. Grasp the wheel front and rear and twist it as if trying to make an S-turn. There should be almost no motion of the wheel before the steering wheel reacts.
If there is, I suggest taking it to a steering specialty shop to adjust the steering worm gear.
HOWEVER, IF you purchase a repair manual, this procedure is outlined in it fully.
The manuals can be purchased through this link:
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/mitchell1eautorepair-car-repair-manuals
Or, you can pick one up at your local O'Reilly's/Pep Boys/Autozone.
CONVERSELY, if you live in an area with a decent library system with a well stocked reference area, you can also review the procedure (and copy or photograph the relevant pages) in a professional shop manual.
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Friday, December 30th, 2011 AT 11:02 PM
