C1 drag link rebuild kit needed? third arm?

[Chris H.]

How do you know if the drag link needs to be rebuilt? Both my ball stud seals are gone. I have my engine out and looking to clean/rebuild anything that needs it.

I have the front in the air without wheels. I grab the third arm and cannot move it up and down. Big pair of Channelocks and still does not move. Turn the steering wheel back and forth and it looks like there is some up/down movement. Does the third arm bearing need replacement?

thanks, Chris

[kenneth bingener NCRS#38563]

Re: C1 drag link rebuild kit needed? third arm?

How does it drive? I just replaced mine for "a little movement" even though the car drove fine for a C1. I almost wished I left it alone. The bearing was frozen into the third arm and did not come out via the method outlined in the ST12. I took it to a machinist friend who had to cut the bearing out with a torch and then heat and press (I believe we were up to 40 tons of pressure)what was left of the inner part of the bearing attached to the stud to get it out. No way your Joe average home garage could have done it. Just my 2 cents. Ken

[Chris H.]

Re: C1 drag link rebuild kit needed? third arm?

It has been about 8 years since I drove it and what I remember is just hard steering at parking lot speeds, I thought due to non power assist. I do not recall much looseness in the steering.

But, I now have it apart and found that the bearing is a sealed type which I think is not original so I think I am OK.

thanks

[Christopher R.]

Re: C1 drag link rebuild kit needed? third arm?

High effort steering is usually from inadequately lubricated king pins. If the king pins are really old, it may not be possible to adequately lubricate them. May need replacement.