67 Bonneville Steering, Suspension, Brakes

[ellev8or]

On yesterday the idler arm and tie rod came undone from the nut and cotter pin coming off while I was coming to a stop at a red light. The driver side front tire was turned out far like I've never seen it before and some fluid leaked out. I had it towed to the closest place, Pepboys. They installed a new nut and cotter pin and stated everything was ok.

Now the car has a sharp hard pull to the driver side when I apply the brakes. Is this a sign of needing new brakes or the alignment is out? I've recently had an alignment about three months ago but the brakes have yet to be touched. Recently a tech checked the brakes and stated they were fine, although the brake lamp on the dash is on constantly.

My concern is, are the steering and suspension durable on the classics? I'm aware that newer cars are manufactured better theses days. Do I need to invest in certain grade, quality and name brand parts? I recently had a tech thoroughly check the steering and suspension and all new parts were installed. I can't stop wondering if the parts were of cheap grade and quality. For my classic what parts (name brand, quality, grade, etc.) do you recommend I use and what should I stay away from?

I know all cars have there specific issues that other cars may not share. Is this a common issue for my year, make and model? Any info you have is helpful.

Thanks

[maxwedge]

From here we cannot diagnose this condition, if this happened right after the steering seperated someone has to check all the components that would be affected by this happening. Parts from the " old" days were much heavier than today, but todays engineering and materials are superior. Any origianl brake or steering/suspension component should be carefully inspected by someone experienced on these older cars.

[Oldbearcat]

When your front wheel turned that far, you may have damaged the brake hose on that side. If so, half of your brake circuit may be leaking fluid, and, that's why your brake light is on. That would make your car pull to one side when you apply the brakes as well - because you now have only one front brake and one rear brake working. Pop the top off the reservoir on top of your master cylinder and see if one side is empty now.

Regards:
Oldbearcat