Steering Wander? Options

[crandsberry]

Hey guys
So when Im driving straight, my steering wheel likes to be slightly cocked to the left. Its annoying.

I just did an alignment and everything is in spec, all the tires are good and balanced and have the same pressure. I dont think the Ujoints have ever been replaced, but i dont think its them, the steering doesnt really feel loose or anything. Brake rotors and pads are all new and in great shape.

Maybe it is the wheel bearings? Also my rear sway bar links are bent outta shape, i guess i could be that.

[samir0189]

I remember once when I had an alignment done the technician did not position the steering wheel correctly to the "dead center" before he did the alignment. That caused me to have the same problem, that when the car was going straight, the wheel was not straight. Seeing as you just had an alignment done this is probably the culprit. Maybe if you have your receipt they may redo it if you show them the problem?

-Samir

[CaliJeff]

i agree with samir

[Jaws4God]

This has happened to me several times.. I wondered if they just didn't center the steering wheel.. I guess next time i'll need to check..

I want to know why sometimes they can adjust my rear suspension and sometimes they say "you can't on this vehicle" lol

[azian_advanced]

while coasting on a level road, does it drive straight? or pull one direction or the other?

[windowlicker]

here's a couple pointers when you go to get another alignment, as these things can effect it. fill your gas tank before you go in, weight can very well effect how well the alignment comes out. if you have a near empty gas tank, the car will be lighter, thus changing how much of a load is on the suspension and changing the alignment angles. also, if you have the chance to get under the car, check to make sure all the nuts and bolts are nice and tight. if you really want to go the extra mile, try and find some weights that would be about the same as what your body weight is. when you have the car aligned, have the tech put the weights in the driver's seat to simulate you being in the car.

the most important thing is finding a shop that has people who know what they are doing and actually care about what they are doing. sometimes we are all tempted to go to a place because they are having an alignment special, but remember that a lot of the time you get what you pay for. thank god i have access to an alignment rack so i can do all the work myself.

oh, and also really look at the way your tires are wearing. any section of the tire that may be wearing quicker than the rest will be a good indication of what may be the problem. examples are if they are wearing more on the inside edge, there may be more negative camber. if the outside edges are feathered, there may be too much toe in. tire wear is a great way to see what is going on with the car.

good luck.

[blu94gt]

how far to the left are we talking here? If you're on a public road, you'll probably have the wheel slightly to the left anyways to overcome "road crown."