Why All Pontiacs Benefit
From A Four-Wheel Alignment
System
A proper wheel alignment is essential for your Pontiac to drive well. A modern computerized four-wheel alignment should be employed if possible. Though the rear suspension on a traditional Pontiac does not have any adjustments, (the four-wheel alignment is required when an independent rear suspension is fitted to a vehicle) the new equipment does offer a benefit.
With an older, traditional two-wheel alignment procedure (only the position of the front wheels are measured) there is no synergy with the rear of the car. A four-wheel alignment machine allows the operator to adjust the front wheels as a component of their relationship with the rear wheels. This also is a quick and accurate means to determine if there is a bent component in the rear suspension or if the frame itself has been tweaked due to an accident or other occurrence. The proper settings of the front wheels are essential for a Pontiac to drive down the road with its intended authority.
If you keep your Pontiac's suspension tight and greased, and do not allow the bushings to become hard, it will amaze everyone who rides in it how well it goes down the road. Isn't that what owning a Pontiac is all about?
Conclusion
After performing the suspension checks listed in this story, if you find that you do have worn suspension parts, remember to replace them in pairs-not just one side. Also, consider the overall cost of the labor and parts when deciding what to replace. If 30 to 50 percent of the parts are worn, and the suspension is eight years old or more, you will probably be cash ahead by buying a complete kit to replace all the wear items in the suspension and steering systems. The payoff will be a Pontiac that handles well and rides smoothly.
Examine the steering coupler...
Examine the steering coupler (aka rag joint), which connects the steering shaft to the steering box. As was done for the steering linkage check, have the helper slowly turn the steering wheel back and forth, while you watch to ensure that when the steering shaft, which connects to the steering wheel on one end and the rag joint on the other, begins to turn, the input shaft on the steering box, which connects to the other end of the rag joint, moves at the same instant. Rag joints have a habit of getting oil soaked from other items leaking under the hood, so replace an oil-soaked joint as well.
Properly maintained stabilizer-bar...
Properly maintained stabilizer-bar bushings are critical for precise handling. The bushing attaches to the undercarriage with a U-shaped bracket and two bolts. These bushings are in poor shape and are ready for replacement. Look for dry rot (cracking) of the bushings and/or play between the bushing and the bar when you grab and push and pull the latter (with the tires on the ground) as reasons to replace them.
This stabilizer link bushing...
This stabilizer link bushing is either wrong or improperly installed. Note the gap between the top of the link and the sway bar (arrow). The fit should be flush. This will allow excessive movement and may create noise. Check yours, with the tires on the ground, for excessive play at the bushings and for dry rot.
To check the shock absorbers,...
To check the shock absorbers, with the car on the ground, bounce it up and down a few times at each corner. It should rebound and stop. If there is more movement, then the shocks are worn and need to be replaced. Also listen for noisy bushings on the shocks and in all other areas, while you bounce the car. Then visually inspect the shocks for fluid leakage and for bushing (grommet) wear. A front shock is shown here.
This is the basic rear suspension...
This is the basic rear suspension system of GM's A-body of the '60s and early '70s.
Visually inspect the upper...
Visually inspect the upper and shock absorbers arm bushings for dry rot and collapsing. (On a leaf-sprung Pontiac, the front spring eye bushings and rear shackle bushings are checked.) Then, with the axle supported by jack stands, pry on the control arms near the bushings to check for excessive movement. A worn rear bushing will allow the differential to shift slightly during cornering and while going over bumps. Look for shiny areas of metal-to-metal contact that could indicate a faulty bushing or bent suspension parts.