Hellol, I just in the last 6 months purchased a 1977 Mercury Comet! So far it a great car... only one owner before me and just 78,000 original miles on it! One main problem is that I cannot seem to figure out is that it swerves all over the road! It's so hard to keep it in a straight line... I replaced a control valve which was $450 and it still handles like crap! The previous owner had the whole front end redone as well. Any help would be much appreciated and it could very well save my life... I am afraid to drive on highways! LOL Thanks, -Any Isle
How bad is it swerving? back and forth or is it a pull to one side. 1. Any signs of ever being in an accident? 2.Play in the steering wheel? 3.Jack it up and check for play in the on each of the front tires. could have missed something on that front end rebuild. 4.Tires have a separated belt, put the back on the front & front on the back take it for a drive.
Mine did that when I first got it. Scary as hell. Definitely start with an alignment, check your strut rod bushings, and if there's play in the steering wheel tighten the adjustment on the gearbox.
I'd say take it in for an allignment. they wil check the whole front end and you will know if anything is bad. A fairly cheap($50) check and it won't hurt to have that done now and then anyway.
Better know what you're doing if you adjust the steering box. You can't properly adjust it if it is still on the car. http://www.stangerssite.com/adjustment.html
Thank you all very much! I appreciate it a lot! My mechanics are just baffled... And I basically know nothing about fixing cars! Now I can give my mechanics a few things to look into, it's not like they are idiots but I have the only Comet in my city so they don't get much experience with fixing them... Again, thank you all! You may have saved my life! Peace out---Any Isle
Ditto... Tires, suspension parts etc. should be checked. IF you are new to riding/driving older cars, don't expect it to drive like Mom's 3 yr. old car. It's going to be way different, but should drive straight and stop well when parts are performing as intended. Be sure and ask about the idler arm-that can keep it from staying centered without forcing the car back and forth. Good luck. Seth
I picked up a new set of tires for the front and everything seems to work great now! Thanks for all the help but it looks like the easiest solution worked best! Thanks again everyone!
I second that one--especially the idler arm. Mine was bad and it handled like an old stock truck--not now! An idler arm is cheap and easy to fix your self, besides easy to see if worn by play in steering and at the bushings. Is it missing the sway bar assembly? And how are the lower ball joints and arms? Good luck and let us know what you find out!
yes broken belts in the tires can make it seem like the front ends about to fall out ..and it happens to older tires a lot..its always good to jack up each corner and give the tire a spin .. especially if heading out on a long cruise..and sometimes its hard to spot even spinning the tire.. I put on gloves and let the tire spin through your hands just in case you still cant see it .
