Loose steering, car suddenly pulls left/right, need help Options

[azian_advanced]

hey guys, i need some input regarding a steering problem that i have. when i drive straight and hold the steering wheel steadily, there are times when the car will drive straight then suddenly pull slightly to the left or right... not by too much, but just slightly enough that i can correct it by countersteering. it happens while driving at any speed. the steering wheel feels normal, like it's not loose or anything when i turn.

1. if my alignment is off, wouldn't it just keep pulling to 'one' side? not both.

2. how do i determine if the ball joint is bad?

3. how do i know if the tierods are bad? <-- my intuition says this is the culprit

4. how do i know if my whole steering rack is f***ed? i hope this isn't the case.

can anyone give me some pointers to narrow down this problem? it's scary to drive (especially with the icy roads here) with this problem. any input will be greatly appreciated. thanks

[missmoster]

Jack the car up and give the wheels good pulls bak and forth to see if there is play in the steering if there is feel if it is the tie rod ends or squeeze the rack end gator boots to see if it is in the inner rack ends do this with the car going and not going as this could also tell you if it is inside the rack.

check your tyres to as some have a tendancy to track which will make the steering out of sorts

also mine can be sensitive specially on open road speeds