63 pull on braking

[Kim K Kaiser]

Well,, 63 got in.  due to work, unable to get out, plus some concern about the leaking radiator,, so i decided to crank er up, put some water in the radiator and went on quick ride, about 5 miles... i noticed something i didnt feel during original drive... it drives strait, no problem,, wen i hit brake it pulls right pretty good.

I ran through the old bills from about 87 or so.. there has been suspension work, new heavy duty shocks in last couple thousands miles,,prior owner said he put a"cherry bomb" on it for some noise,  I dont particularly like loud cars, so any idea how to get rid of that thing,,I odnt like all that grumble..

I didn't notice anything else on that short little run.. Radiator be in next week, so i can take on a better ride then...oh,, there is a bit plastic container on the driver side toward the front of the engine,, i am assuming it may be the windshield washer?  holds a couple quarts according to the markings. It has a hose that runs up to the firewall.. or is ti something else.. it kind of sits by it self..I got the manual out and started checking stuff with it, but didnt see that part.

Any thought s on the pull during break would be appreciated. 

Sincerely

Kim

[24ro8f5mbs2jc]

If the bushings are bad. Driving with the car is of course not good or safe.

[Kim K Kaiser]

ok, I was doing some reading in the SM,, read the suspension section, under the diagnosis chart, it has a column for "pulls to one side"  has a list of items,, but the car does nt seem to pull while driving, only when brake is applied.

so i went to braking section, and the description was more specific,, pulls when braking,  and list out a set of fixes.

so is there a relationship between the two, that it would be first best to go to the suspension fixes,,and if that did not fix the pull then I should go to the braking fixes?  

If it is the bushings, how would it be identified on the car, as it sits, are they loose? do they look visually worn out, or does it have to be removed, and checked for wear, similarly, if it were breaks, would there be a visual clue that the conditions exist for the pull upon application?  

again, please excuse all the questions of ignorance,  

Sincerely

[24ro8f5mbs2jc]

Can't see why not follow the recommendations in the shop manual. Do the checks and fixes. Mostly it will cost you time and if you find anything wrong its better finding out on the driveway than on the street. A 2,5 ton car not able to brake...

My car pulled hard to right when braking. It was the right side upper control arm bushings. Its a known occurrence from bad bushings. If you open your hood and look on the bushings you should see if they look okay. Meaning the shaft should be centered in the bushings both sides. If not they might be the cause of the pulling. Then crawl under the car and check all suspension parts to see what they look like. You might find some other issues.

My left side in fairly good condition:

New bushings fitted:

[Kim K Kaiser]

I dont see those metal bars in the Manual drawing, its that some sort of addition you added for stability?

[24ro8f5mbs2jc]

Its home made to be used when removing bushings and installing them again. This way I don't deform any parts and can push in the new bushing safely.

Bought a Bushing Installation / Removal Tool and added a few home made parts. Think 100 USD is a bit over priced, but the set did work good. And will work next time as well. Tools is a on-time cost, so don't save on tools.

[24ro8f5mbs2jc]

To get the car up in air safely I use a combination of hydraulic ramps and a jack. Then placing the car on jack stands. Thinks its a lot faster and safer than working the jack on one side "tilting" the car.

Someone might have a good reason not to place the jack below the differential casing on the rear axel. But for me I think its okay. 

[24ro8f5mbs2jc]

Cheapest is just to open hood and look on the bushings, 30 seconds at the most. If the right upper control arm bushings are bad then you found your main problem. Not discounting the possibility that brakes are bad as well.

[Kim K Kaiser]

Well, armed w my photos and discussion. I went at the suspension. The bushiings all look to be ok. However, the nut that screws onto the bolt, hoding the bushing was undone almostvto the end of the bolt! Noww, could. This be the source, as itvwould function like a dmged. Bushing I tightened it back down. Hv to wait till later to see if it helped but it sure had a lot of play from thrvnut to the washer to the bushing

[24ro8f5mbs2jc]

Does sound like a good reason. It should be fastened with a torque of 60 foot-pounds.

Maybe better get over all the other bushings below the car to make sure they are fastened accordingly. If one is loose...

[David Thomas]

Hi Kim, welcome to the 63-64 web site!

The bushing bolts being loose could cause the brake pull, but, it is an indication that the bolts were tightened with the suspension hanging and the car not supported by the suspension. Those bolts are supposed to be tightened when the car is sitting on all four wheels. It would be a good move to check all the bushing pivot bolts on the upper and lower control arms to be sure they are at the proper torque. Inspect all the bushings, upper and lower control arms and the strut bushings in the number one cross member. Be sure they all are in good condition.

Congratulations on your new car!!

[Kim K Kaiser]

thanks for the further information,, i will get a look at all of them..they are neat machines.  i like the all metal dash, the dash components,, all the chrome, in and out,, just facisnating.. and the room!!!

i have the coupe, but i can only imagine a 4 door unit.