Steering and Brakes
Printed From: TheAMCForum.com
Category: The Garage
Forum Name: Suspension, Steering, Brakes & Wheels
Forum Description: What makes it stop, turn, and smooths the ride
URL: https://theamcforum.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=93705
Printed Date: Apr/18/2024 at 3:42pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.03 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Steering and Brakes
Posted By: Jjtxaz
Subject: Steering and Brakes
Date Posted: Apr/19/2018 at 10:02am
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2 questions... might sound stupid but...I've also already looked in the TM. 1) my steering wheel is not center to look aesthetically pleasing. I tried removing the nut to rotate it left but when I did that nothing budged. I looked in the manual and didnt see anything about the steering wheel itself? Do I need to get it aligned like modern cars or can i make the adjustment myself on the steering column? 2) going to adjust my drums this weekend because as I drive I hear a metallic noise scrapping. I followed the troubleshooting path and it might be as simple as adjusting them or needing new hardware and good cleaning. While I'm in there I wanna bleed the brakes. What type of fluid do these master cylinders need/take? Thanks again for your help in advance. Soon as i get my post count up I'll post a proper thread and show off the new to me 1969 AMC Rambler... |
Replies:
Posted By: rocklandrambler
Date Posted: Apr/19/2018 at 10:16am
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First of all. what YEAR and MODEL car are you working with? 1) When you say you removed the nut to rotate the wheel are you talking about the nut that holds the wheel on? Just removing the nut won't do anything since the steering wheel fits onto a splined shaft. Make sure the front wheels are pointing straight ahead. Remove the nut and get yourself a steering wheel puller from a local auto supply store. Remove the wheel and orientate it correctly and then put it back on the shaft. Replace the nut. 2) Most AMC's have self adjusting brakes which activate when you're in reverse. Try driving the car back and forth a few times applying the brakes at the end. See if this helps. If not, consult the TSM on how to adjust the brakes manually. DOT 3 brake fluid will work fine. ------------- Past AMC's 1974 Hornet X (new) 1975 Gremlin X (new) 1964 Classic 660 Cross Country 1965 American 440-H |
Posted By: AfterhoursFab
Date Posted: Apr/19/2018 at 10:26am
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How far is the wheel off? If its only a small amount then removing the steering wheel might be too much. You may want to look into adjusting the tie rods to center it as well. The brakes may be rusty and not self adjusting at all, you may want to pull it apart and check. If not, then at least you can adjust them properly while youre in there. |
Posted By: Jjtxaz
Date Posted: Apr/19/2018 at 11:47am
It is a 1969 AMC Ramble, I mentioned it at the end of the post. 1) yeah I just removed the nut and it didn't move. I didn't know about the spline. I will look into that tool and get it done. 2) I drove it to and from work, about 40-60 miles both days Sunday and Monday. Didn't hit reverse much but definitely got some miles on it. Sound was still there at the end of the day... |
rocklandrambler wrote:Posted By: billd
Date Posted: Apr/19/2018 at 12:48pm
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Never "adjust" the wheel by removing and turning it on the shaft - you throw the steering box off center,, there's a high point, etc. It gets technical but honestly, ONLY center the wheel by turning the tie rod sleeves. Aim the WHEELS or TIRES staight - the wheel will be off. If the wheel is pointed to the right when the tires are straight, you need to turn the right tie rod sleeve so that you LENGTHEN the right tie rod assembly and turn the LEFT tie rod sleeve exactly the same amount to SHORTED the left tie rod assembly. If the wheel is off then your toe is likely off and you are simply making it look better while you tear up tires and wear steering and suspension parts....... any time you have an issue like that it's a symptom of a problem, not just a cosmetic thing. Unless the last person to align that car was a dope and didn't center the wheel, it means you have wear and/or the alignment is off. Anyway - never pull the wheel and turn it to make it centered - you are asking for other issues down the road. the steering box is made a certain way.......... Any other advice is, well, I don't want to be on the same road if that's how problems are solved. Sorry, but there's real honest reasons to NOT adjust it with pulling the wheel (and some can't be turned as the spines are indexed... FOR A REASON - to keep people from doing what you are contemplating!) -------------  http://theamcpages.com" rel="nofollow - http://theamcpages.com http://antique-engines.com" rel="nofollow - http://antique-engines.com |
Posted By: S Curry
Date Posted: Apr/19/2018 at 12:56pm
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Get the alignment checked. Bill is right about how the steering gear works. If you are not familiar with brakes, have someone who is. If you can't steer it or stop it, you'll wreck it..... ------------- SC |
Posted By: purple72Gremlin
Date Posted: Apr/19/2018 at 1:04pm
| As above....get it aligned. And take it to a shop that knows what they are doing. And you better check your brakes closely. Dont cut corners on either the brakes or steering. If you lose your brakes... its scary and needless to say dangerous.... |
Posted By: Buzzman72
Date Posted: Apr/19/2018 at 5:15pm
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Here's some free advice, and worth every penny. If you have never worked on a car, GET SOMEONE EXPERIENCED TO TEACH YOU. Not everything is intuitive. That's why technical service manuals are printed. But even the manuals expect you to have some experience, and they leave out some steps because you are expected to know a little about what you're working on. Some repairs require special tools. Like a steering wheel puller, for example. If your experience is near zero, as I assume from what is and isn't said in your post...and if you don't have a friend who is an experienced mechanic... FER GAWSH SAKES, take it to someone with experience. Like a brake shop for something as important as brakes!!! Too many people are killed on our streets and highways already. If you don't know how to fix it, don't take someone's life into your hands...even if it's just your own. ------------- Buzzman72...void where prohibited, your mileage may vary, objects in mirror may be closer than they appear, and alcohol may intensify any side effects. |
Posted By: Jjtxaz
Date Posted: Apr/19/2018 at 6:02pm
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Let me start off by saying that I appreciate the quick responses and the help: rockandrambler, afterhoursfab, and billyd In my initial post it may have come across as vague or I'm inexperienced. That's not the case. I'm no master mechanic but I have the technical ability to work things out and repair, replace or fix it need be. I also know if the job is over my head. (If you read my previous post on the transmission thread I asked for help there as well and ended up having a shop rebuild the transmission, not an issue for me) I come on here to ask what I can't get from the book or the few online forums for my Rambler. First thing I did when I got the car was order the TSM to avoid bothering others and to expand my knowledge on this car the proper way, reading and seeking the info out myself as to the manufacturers recomendation. I seek the knowledge, experience, tips and tricks of those that share the same hobby as I do and most importantly have similar makes as I do. All of you here are vital. Yes, there are shops here that can do the work (who turns down business, right?)but what fun is a project car if you're gonna source out all the work. Where I live (El Paso, Tx) shops that know these cars are far and few. My job doesn't Allow me much time to go cross state to have a shop check it out if it's not available locally. Another note is these cars are hard to find (it's why I picked it because I was up to the challenge) and unlike modern cars that I've worked on before YouTube and other websites/forums are littered with information. They have step by steps, how to's or links to someone, somewhere who has done it or has had the same issue. I'm capable of doing the work myself and if it's as simple as adjusting tie rods to properly align the wheels, or taking the drums off to inspect and clean the brakes then I can do that. (I just dropped and reinstalled the trans on this car in particular after getting it rebuilt). Brakes are brakes, Whether its drums or disc the concept is the same for the respective vehicle. Take em apart, change/clean, bleed the system. Done. I appreciate the tips and the guidance but the assumptions and the rest isn't necessary. I have the common sense to know brakes and steering are important as is making sure my weapon is clear and on safe before going down to check my shot group. I'm done ranting. Dont want to come across rude, or not listening/taking/considering your advice. I'm simply providing feedback on how my 2 questions turned into a lecture on me not being experienced enough or unsafe. All I'm doing is enjoying a hobby, restoring a car that I feel is a nostalgic piece of art, and bringing you all in on my road to success. Thanks for your time and for reading. |
Posted By: LakesideRamblin
Date Posted: Apr/19/2018 at 9:16pm
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Good for you. Many great people on this Forum. But a few lecturers, too. May I say buzzkills. Ignore the lectures and pick out the jewels. ------------- LakesideRamblin 69 Rambler 360 73 Javelin 360 "If you could kick the person in the pants responsible for most of your trouble, you wouldn't sit for a month." T. Roosevelt |
Posted By: rms827
Date Posted: Apr/20/2018 at 2:54am
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Started out with a longer post here, but I felt I started unintentionally sounding preachy also. Anyway, in regards to the earlier posts, I just hope everyone will keep in mind there's a difference between a well meaning lecture and one that's deliberately degrading or insulting. I was an automotive technician for 16 years with 5 ASE certs (now expired), and I tended to get gently preachy with some customers too, but only because I understood the long term implications of some of the things they'd tell me they wanted to do. I was trying to keep them safe and/or save them money and headaches down the road. That said, BillD pretty much nailed all there is to say on the technical advice. The only other thing I'll add (without getting into a long rant about the little details that make a quality brake job) is to replace the springs every time you replace the shoes. You can't see heat fatigue in their metal. It's a better safe than sorry thing. ;) |
Posted By: S Curry
Date Posted: Apr/20/2018 at 8:37am
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Sorry if I was blunt...lots of good advice on this site. Get 'er fixed and start enjoying the ride. ------------- SC |
Posted By: Jjtxaz
Date Posted: Apr/20/2018 at 9:12am
| No hard feelings at all S curry. Ramblers running just needs little things checked off or adjusted and shall be my daily. This weekend a little busy but I'm gonna try and make time to replace the hardware and some shoes I got when I bought the car. |