[V8] 1990 V8 Serious Steering Control Issues & Now Looking For Rims & Tires

[Campozano, Robert]

Ingo,

Sorry for not replying.  I got sidetracked with work.  Happily and embarrassingly, the pop/snap turned out to be the right front tire!  I did not see that half of the tread had completely come off of it.  It was on the inner part of the tire and I totally missed it.  I did not think of the tire because I had just replaced the fronts 3 months ago with "good" used spares.  I was already using a doughnut on the left side because my wife drove up a curve the day before (1 mph, I was there), but enough to gash the sidewall so I needed a new front tire for the left side as well.  Control Arm is fine as well as subframe bolt.  I'm surprised the tire even held air.  It was really bad.  Thanks for following up and for replying so quickly.

Anyway, HUGE thanks to Tony Hoffman.  He drove over 2 hours round trip to pick up and let me borrow 2 rims and good tires for the front of my vehicle.  This buys me time to look for rims and tires.  Thanks again Tony, truly a lifesaver.

LOOKING TO BUY:  4 Rims 16's maybe 17's with decent tires.  If the rims are in good condition and the right price, I will by just rims and get new tires.  Anyone have rims they are looking to sell?  Please let me know.  I will be looking on ebay for them as well.  My budget is not very big.  I would like to spend 300-400 because that is what I can afford. But if the right rim and tire comes along I will spend a little more.

Thanks again to all those who replied.  To my first post.  Replies to this post are appreciated as well.

Zay Campozano | Computer Engineer | MGM MIRAGE(tm)
rcampozano at MGMMirage.net

-----Original Message-----
From: Ingo Rautenberg [mailto:i.rautenberg at waratap.com] 
Sent: Tuesday, May 17, 2005 1:24 PM
To: Campozano, Robert
Subject: Re: [V8] 1990 V8 Serious Steering Control Issues

Any news yet?
Ingo

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Campozano, Robert" <RCAMPOZANO at mgmmirage.net>
To: "Ingo Rautenberg" <i.rautenberg at waratap.com>
Sent: Sunday, May 15, 2005 8:52 PM
Subject: RE: [V8] 1990 V8 Serious Steering Control Issue

Thanks again for the reply.  I will fill the list in as to what the actual
problem is tomorrow.
Take care,

-----Original Message-----
From: Ingo Rautenberg [mailto:irautenberg at comcast.net]
Sent: Sunday, May 15, 2005 1:50 PM
To: Campozano, Robert
Subject: Re: [V8] 1990 V8 Serious Steering Control Issues

Hmm. I dunno.  I think the subframe bolt is dealer only ($10-20) -- but
don't know for sure.  The ball joint  -- you can ge that from GPR or SJM or
the like - it's part of the control arm, so you just order a replacemnet
control arm (left or right) -- make sure it's with the 19mm ball joint
($125-$200).  I hate to speculate on labor if you have someone do it -- 
maybe $150-200?  It all depends what needs to be done.
Ingo
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Campozano, Robert" <RCAMPOZANO at mgmmirage.net>
To: "Ingo Rautenberg" <i.rautenberg at waratap.com>
Sent: Sunday, May 15, 2005 3:40 PM
Subject: RE: [V8] 1990 V8 Serious Steering Control Issue

Ingo,
Thanks for the quick response.  What would I be looking at cost wise for
either of the 2 symptoms?  Also, is the broken subframe bolt a part I would
have to order from the dealer?  Let me know.  I will either limp it home or
leave it in the parking garage and get the diagnosis before I move it.
Thanks again for your assistance.

-----Original Message-----
From: Ingo Rautenberg [mailto:irautenberg at comcast.net]
Sent: Sunday, May 15, 2005 11:25 AM
To: Campozano, Robert; v8 at audifans.com
Subject: Re: [V8] 1990 V8 Serious Steering Control Issues

Judging by your description (especially the pop/snap bit) -- I'm guessing
broken subframe bolt.  Possibly severely worn-out control arm balljoint.
You know the old ladies that drive so slow it drives you nuts?  That's how
you have to drive home (if at all).  I'm quite wary of driving a car with
possible broken suspension (or worse, steering) components.
Ingo
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Campozano, Robert" <RCAMPOZANO at mgmmirage.net>
To: <v8 at audifans.com>
Sent: Sunday, May 15, 2005 1:51 PM
Subject: [V8] 1990 V8 Serious Steering Control Issues

Well, I seem to be in a heap of trouble.  I had been experiencing some
steering wheel *wobble* for 2-3 weeks and figured that between bad tires
and a probable need for an alignment, I might hold off for another
month...wrong!!!  Driving to work today I heard a pop/snap and my
steering wheel at any speed uncontrollably started to shake.  I nursed
the car to work since I was almost there and parked it.  I tried to look
under the car but at first glance really did not see anything and I had
to clock in so I could not take a look.  What I can say is that the car
wanders to the right and when I am making a long right turn the car is a
lot less *wobbly* but on a straight away even at 5MPH the steering
shakes horribly.  I could really use some help.  This is my only vehicle
and I need to get it up and running as soon as possible.  Any ideas?
Any response as to what it could be is greatly appreciated.  Thanks to
all.

Zay Campozano | Computer Engineer | MGM MIRAGE(tm)
rcampozano at MGMMirage.net