Car hard to push in neutral looking for suggestions

Wade Mahaffey · 05-09-2009, 08:07 PM

When you free up any brake issues, and remove the shaft try this. (wheels off...housing on jack stands)
1. place a 3 ft. straight edge (put a mark @ 18 inches) on the axle flange with your mark at the center of the hub. Use a plum-bob to mark a spot on the floor off of each end of your straight edge. Repeat that on the other side, now measure the distance between the front two marks on the floor and compare that to the distance between the back two marks. If your housing is bent, the measurement in between the front two marks will be less that the rear marks. That is an easy first step as apposed to taking the rear out for an alignment bar.
2. Do the straight edge thing on the front also, but this time place the straight edge along the tire (actually with a small spacer, place the straight edge against the wheel because the wheel should have less run-out for a more true measurement) with the car at ride height. Also check the camber with a level at vertical. A toe-in or toe-out issue is most likely your problem.
3. Check all suspension points for worn parts, they will cause you suspension settings to change without notice.
4. Align your front with consideration of ride height under acceleration (down track)

05-09-2009, 08:07 PM	#9
Wade Mahaffey Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 581 Likes: 0 Liked 17 Times in 7 Posts	Re: Car hard to push in neutral looking for suggestions When you free up any brake issues, and remove the shaft try this. (wheels off...housing on jack stands) 1. place a 3 ft. straight edge (put a mark @ 18 inches) on the axle flange with your mark at the center of the hub. Use a plum-bob to mark a spot on the floor off of each end of your straight edge. Repeat that on the other side, now measure the distance between the front two marks on the floor and compare that to the distance between the back two marks. If your housing is bent, the measurement in between the front two marks will be less that the rear marks. That is an easy first step as apposed to taking the rear out for an alignment bar. 2. Do the straight edge thing on the front also, but this time place the straight edge along the tire (actually with a small spacer, place the straight edge against the wheel because the wheel should have less run-out for a more true measurement) with the car at ride height. Also check the camber with a level at vertical. A toe-in or toe-out issue is most likely your problem. 3. Check all suspension points for worn parts, they will cause you suspension settings to change without notice. 4. Align your front with consideration of ride height under acceleration (down track)