problems with the a1's

[foxxinabox@copper.net (Foxx (in a box))]

  now, mind you, this is in regards to the a1 chassis, not people named
al. anwyay....
  i was wondering if other people have had problems or have heard of
problems with the a1 chassis and hard braking. normally i wouldn't ask,
but this has happened twice to me and now i'm beginning to wonder. keep
in mind that both car have over 200k on them. in my '86 w/ power
steering, i had to stop hard to avoid the lady driving her bmw which, as
everyone knows, had the right-of-way regardless of lane, speed, or use
of turn signals. steering what severly effected. ended up balding a set
of tires (1/3 life left anyway). ended up finding that the control arm
member had cracked up by the body. since repair it's been in the shop
awaiting paint so i've not had a chance to drive it. also, the rack had
only 65k on it or so.
  the other day in my '84 (no power steering) i had to do the same thing
(bmw lady's mother driving a taurus or some other p.o.s.). again
steering was severly effected. got home and looked for structural
damage. nothing found. problems continue to persist. i should be noted
that both times the steering wheel turned about 15° and the cars (both)
pulled to the right. we came out of a find food drive-thru and heard a
hard metallic snap. steering wheel was popped back into place, but the
car still pulls to the right. i've even adjusted the right tie rod end
out about 3/4" and though the wheels appear straight, the car still
pulls to the right, albeit not as bad. i'm thinking the problem is the
rack this time.
  oh well, sorry for the blather. just wondering if anyone else has
experienced this phenomenon. i'm thinking the stress bars on the 16v's
would help prevent it, but i don't know. i.just..don't...know.

-- 
 /\_/\	  Foxx (in a box)
< o o >	  http://foxx.tripod.com
  \ /
   °