Civic Steering Problem

[olsenw]

I have an interesting question. I have a 1983 Honda Civic HB that has a weird steering problem. When I turn left, brake normally or quickly, and sometimes while accelerating the steering will jerk quickly clockwise. When this happens, the car moves slightly, but still drives straight. After a short time like that, the steering will shortly jerk back counter-clockwise (returning to normal), or if I quickly jerk the steering wheel counter-clockwise it will return to normal. I’m concerned because of the upcoming weather season (snow and ice = slipping). I am about 75% sure that it is coming from the front passenger side, but I honestly don’t know for sure.

Does anybody have any ideas? Thanks in advance!

Wade

[87civicfranky]

could be the rack and pinion......or the outer termials...(the ones that are on the other side of the front brake rotors..)..it might be one of those........

[KrisSmithRocks]

I'm not sure what the camber is on a civic that's that early but on the later ones the bushings on the control arms could be worn throwing off the caster on that one side. If you can get it up on a rack i would shake some stuff and see if you can get a good idea.

[olsenw]

Well, it was the bushing on the passender side. And what a 'bitch' it was to get out. the bolt was rusted solid to the inner cylinder of the bushing and the outer cylinder part of the bushing was rusted solid to the control arm. Nothing a hack saw, grinder, and a large hammer couldn't solve. Looks like s$%t but it drivers straight now! Thanks for all your advice!

Wade

[revhalzoo]

check your rotors for warpage. also check for worn bushings or loose bolts