My '11 Crown Vic has got 315k miles on it and I'm having some kind of tracking problem that I think is coming from the steering. If there's not much wind it drives straight down the road just fine up to about 60 mph. But if the winds up some, or if I take it up to 70, it's tracking characteristics start to get weird and unsettling. Rain seems to cause it to get worse as well. The feeling is not dissimilar to hydroplaning.

I got the wheels off the ground and pushed/pulled on all the tires..3 and 9 o'clock, 6 and 12. Back wheels were solid, and the fronts were ok when I did the 6 and 12, but on the 3 and 9 test the tires moved about 1/4". They didn't move easily say as if they were completely loose, but it didn't take all that much effort to get them rocking either. At each limit of movement there's a low grade thud that's coming from somewhere between the two wheels, pretty close to the center of the car I'd say. I don't know if the movement I'm seeing is normal, but the degree the steering seems to be unpredictable would seem to correlate to about the degree of movement I'm seeing with the 3 and 9 test.

Any ideas on where I go from here?

 

With that many miles on it probably all the steering system is nearing the end of its life depending on its maintenance history .. Not sure if those old vic are rack and pinion steering or the old systems... I would just take it to a shop and have them do a inspection on it and let you know what it needs.. Don't be afraid to ask for a quote and take it to several shops i would use shops that can do the alignment in house as well it will save you a trip else ware after the repairs. The hours labor may save you in the end by getting quotes by 2 or 3 shops.. Sounds like you just googled how to check things and are not real familiar with the system or how to proceed remember its your life and others you are putting at risk here leave it to the professionals if you are not familiar with things

 

Thanks for the good advice Zrock and sorry it took so long to get back. I just got the car back from a front end inspection and they're saying my biggest problem is that both lower ball joints need to be replaced. I've done work similar to this before (using a pickle fork to separate joints and using a rented ball joint press) but they were advising it might be too tough of a job to do by myself in my driveway. I have a 1000lb impact wrench but only a really small compressor.

What do you guys think about attempting this job myself? Any advice?

 

I have done lots in my driveway using air tools or my electric impact. I have the tool for removing BJ and it works pretty good. I find if you are having issues getting it out give it a wack with a hammer and usually it will pop when its under tension from the tool. Remember when putting the new one in to use green loctight. If your going to do the lower do the upper while you are in their no point in doing the same job twice

 

Well I've decided I'm gonna give it a shot at doing this myself. 'Couple' questions...

- The green loc tite would go on the threads on the bottom of the BJs?

- I know the lower BJ presses out, but does the top one press out as well?

- Does the sway bar link have to come off for better access?

- Anything else I should change out while I'm in there? So far I'm gonna be doing both upper and lower BJs and probably the tie rod ends.

- Also been told to watch out for the spring shooting out at me but I believe I have a shock in spring, a strut? Is there any danger of this spring suddenly popping out after tension is eased? I don't plan on removing the spring at all.

- The Moog BJ I'm considering at Rockauto doesn't appear to have a grease boot. Am I looking at this picture wrong? Is that black part a boot that will expand when it's filled up?

 

The green loctight goes around the base of the BJ where it presses into the arm it locks it into place taking up any gaps. Looks like it has a boot may expand when greased? Any wear and tear parts change em while you are their even sway bar end links the always go bad.

 

Do I have a stamped steel or forged top A-arm? I believe it's stamped but I'm not entirely sure.

 

Looks like stamped to me..

 

Does it matter? Stamped or forged?

 

Might be a different ball joint for either one. Not sure but could be.....