Car feels "bumpy"...help!!!

[rllndg17]

Sorry if this is kind of long but I need some help! I decided to tighten my header bolts some. I was going to drop the k-member but then I decided to just jack up the engine to tighten down a couple of bolts. Here is what I did.

1. I removed the passenger side tire (I thought I was going to take k-member off...but changed my mind)
2. I removed the G-load brace.
3. I placed a jack underneath the oil pan w/ a piece of wood for support.
4. I removed the 2 motor mounts and lifted the engine some, not too far though.
5. I tightened a few header bolts on both sides.
6. I tightened a bolt on the steering shaft.

and then I put everything back together. Everything went well until I took it for a ride. The car feels like there are small bumps on the road. I can feel it in the steering, pedals, etc...and my roommate could feel it too. I could also hear a very faint squeak coming from my side. The car idles just fine, brakes fine, shifts fine, revs fine etc...I checked to see if there was anything stuck in the tire tread but didn't find anything. Anybody know what the heck happened to my car? The engine is hot so I'm giving up right now but I HAVE to fix it somehow tomorrow.

Gabe

 

[PoorYuppie]

6. I tightened a bolt on the steering shaft.

Do you think it's possible you just had a loose steering column before? I think that may very well be your answer. If you don't hear any additional clunks, crunches, or growls under heavy braking/acceleration, and tossing the car through some twisties, I'd guess your ok. I don't know the exact spring rate that the ford c-springs you are using are, but I'd expect it to be bumpy.

 

[rllndg17]

I figured it out...I sat up last night searching and feeling scared that I had done something bad. I went outside this morning, lifted the front end, and found that my driver side tire was...well...loose. Apparently I completly forgot to tighten it back since I was originally going to take it off to slide the k-member off. I laughed but I was scared as hell and I feel like an idiot, oh well, car is fixed!

 

[steveb24]

my bro did that once in his jetta. his wheel came off while driving, and lets just say it wasent good.. bu nobody got hurt thank God. btw, by jacking the motor up like u did, can you install the headers, or just get at the bolts.

 

[rllndg17]

I think some people have done it before, but I wouldn't risk it...Dropping the K-member may sound like more work but it's way more convenient and not that bad if you have the right tools/help

 

[AmBo]

omg be thankful your tire didn't come flying off.