Is this normal?

Topic: Is this normal? (Read 2693 times) previous topic - next topic

Is this normal?

January 19, 2015, 12:32:24 PM

I was driving the '85 yesterday and I had to turn around at an intersection (gravel side roads/blacktop highway). When I turned left on the loose gravel the front wheels kept skidding forward like a 4wd truck trying to turn when locked in 4wd. It only does it when the wheels are turned all the way to the left and not even going very fast.
Is this just a thing with early rack and pinion steering?

Is this normal?

Reply #1 – January 19, 2015, 08:03:45 PM

Sounds like u got a good limited slip rear. Completly normal

Is this normal?

Reply #2 – January 19, 2015, 09:09:28 PM

Normal for many rear drive cars to "plow" a bit when turning sharply at low speeds on gravel roads. Front drive cars don't have the same issues since the front wheels are pulling you through the turn (as opposed to rear drive cars pushing through a turn).

Is this normal?

Reply #3 – January 19, 2015, 09:43:05 PM

Tap of the gas solves it. Well, maybe not on a 3.8...

Is this normal?

Reply #4 – January 20, 2015, 02:51:29 AM

Ok, cool. I'm sure glad it's nothing I need to be concerned about.

Is this normal?

Reply #5 – January 20, 2015, 12:53:23 PM

If it only does it when turning one direction versus the other you may want to take it to a tire shop that can check the front end alignment. It almost sounds like something is out of whack if that is the case.

Darren

Is this normal?

Reply #6 – January 20, 2015, 01:02:03 PM

I just had it aligned a month ago. They supposedly checked everything. I have noticed that sometimes there is a clunk/pop noise coming from the front end when turning sharply or where the steering/suspension has to flex. Not entirely sure what's causing that either.

Is this normal?

Reply #7 – January 20, 2015, 01:03:54 PM

Surely with only 80,000 miles, the suspension should still be good, wouldn't it?

Is this normal?

Reply #8 – January 20, 2015, 02:42:24 PM

ASS|U|ME things and you know what that gets you. I would take it to another shop and see if they can figure out what it popping. They need to check the control arm bushings, ball joints, rack & pinion, rack & pinion mounting bushings, inner & outer tie rod ends, sway bar bushings, and the strut bushings that are bolted to the top of the shock tower.

Darren

Is this normal?

Reply #9 – January 20, 2015, 03:26:49 PM

80,000 miles but also 30 years. Rubber goes bad from sitting as well as mileage use. 30 years is old for stock bushings, no matter the mileage.

Is this normal?

Reply #10 – January 20, 2015, 07:52:09 PM

Well, I need to do some brake work. Is there a good way to check the all things you listed? I can do a lot of the testing of parts while it's up with the wheels off.

Is this normal?

Reply #11 – January 20, 2015, 08:06:39 PM

A Google search on checking tie rods, ball joints, rack & pinion, and control arm bushings would be the quickest way to get some idea of how to do this in your driveway or garage as its just too much to type. You could also do a search here or on one of the major Fox Mustang sites.

Darren