Which to fix first?

[gedmeyer]

I just bought my '81 last week. It runs good (after ironing out a few kinks last week) but it still needs somethings here and there (to get it to where I'd like it to be.) There is a rattle IN the catalytic convert before it warms up, the suspension needs to be freshened up (I'd like to go to urethane bushings) and I get a little brake squeel as well. What would you suggest I set my efforts towards first? I know there are lots of bushings that can be replaced, but what are usually the most in-need of changing ones and what kind of project would these be. I think the cat needs to be replaced, which isn't that big of a deal but it would cost me over a hundred bucks for the hi-flow cat I've been considering. I hope to pull a wheel this weekend to examine the brakes a little better. I'm basically looking for what will be the best improvement to my car for the time/money.

p.s. I'm on a budget (ie ripping the exhaust out for duals or rebuilding the entire suspension is out of the question)

 

[vette-dude]

You got the Go but you need the Whoa too. Brakes First!!! Then suspension so you can feel confident it will go where you steer it and not eat up your tires. Then worry about the exhaust. My $.02.

Randy

 

[GS Diva]

You got the Go but you need the Whoa too. Brakes First!!! Then suspension so you can feel confident it will go where you steer it and not eat up your tires. Then worry about the exhaust. My $.02.

Randy

My feelings exactly...safety first!

Elaine

 

[gedmeyer]

So brakes (might just need pads) then suspension? If I was work on the suspension (bushings and what not), what should I focus on? I look through the catalogs and I see WAY too many bushings and I'm not even sure what is essential and what is nto always necessary.

 

[vette-dude]

Put the car on a lift and see what needs to be fixed. You could buy a bushing kit but which one do you need??that is the question. You should get her in the air and look it over and write down what needs immediate attention and what can wait. Who knows, maybe former owner has already replace some of the bushings. Besides, you will need to check your tie rod ends, ball joints, ujoints, etc. while it is on the lift. Do as much as you can afford a little at a time. If you have a limited budget and are doing the brakes first you may run into additional expenses involved with the brake job. It may only need pads, but it may need cailpers, rotors, or brake lines. Be prepared with the cash.

Randy

 

[geekinavette]

Unless I thought something was about to break and make the car uncontrollable I think I would go after the cat before the suspension. A clogged cat can do some engine damage.

Bill

 

[vette-dude]

Unless I thought something was about to break and make the car uncontrollable I think I would go after the cat before the suspension

I agree except I wouldn't think about it, I would inspect what has to be fixed. The cats are important as you said but if the suspension & steering is toast it shouldn't be driven anyways. Yes the cats can cause engine damage but most likely they will plug up and the engine will only run a short time and die. Each to their own just my $.02.

Randy

 

[Stallion]

What do you think could be wrong with your braking system? Because mine also squeaks, too. Your thoughts on that?

TR

 

[gedmeyer]

the brake squeek is persistant on mine. In terms of stopping power, they seem to be fine. The pedal feels good, but I'm going to have a look anyways.

The suspension is actually pretty good. I just thought I would see what were things that are commonly in need of replacement. I figure there has got to be some bushings and other stuff that would be easy fixes and provide some good ride/driving results.

The car is in excellent condition, but I would like to "freshen" her up a little bit (to make sure she lasts another 20 years.)

 

[Stallion]

I remember I had started a thread on my squeaky brakes, and JohnZ (very very knowledgeable on cars, a definite master of them ) said that this was nothing unusual or problem like. He said that the pads are probably fine, so I haven't worked with it. I don't think it is something we need to get the tools out to fix, but I understand your interest to take a look at them.

Good luck!

TR

 

[geekinavette]

That's very possible TR that there's nothing wrong with them. There are two things that normally cause disc brake "squeal".

1- Vibration between the backside of the pad and the caliper/piston when you apply the brake. This is very common. Usually when you buy a set of brake pads they will come with a tube of "anti-squeal" compound that you apply to the backside of the pad to prevent this. This doesn't mean that anything's wrong, just makes an annoying noise.

2- The wear indicator tab coming into contact with the rotor. This of course means that the pads are shot...and if they are not replaced soon so too will be the rotor. This is usually a much louder and more "attention-grabbing" sound, kinda like fingernails on a chalkboard.

Bill