Front End turns right then turns left

[Whiteasysport]

Hi Guys bought a high mile GAGT and am getting it up and running.I put new struts and had the front end aligned and the specs are correct.It will sometimes track OK but if you take a sharp left it will pull slightly to the left.And if you go right it will track to the right.

It is not excessive but anoying and I am looking for a possible cause.First thing that comes to mind is the rack(I hope not) but has anyone had this problem and solved it?Thanks in advance for your help.

[pokesmot]

when you replaced the struts did you also replace the strut mounts?

the bearing plates in the top of the struts will stick sometimes, this usually becomes most evident when the struts are replaced.
when you replace the struts, the bearing plates have wear in them, and may not line up exactly as they previously did which might cause the struts to stick.

one way to test this would be to remove the wheel and disconnect the tie rod end from the strut and attempt to spin the strut from side to side. it should move freely, if it sticks it could either be the ball joint or the strut mount.

not sure if you know how to check the ball joints or not, but if you dont know,

raise the front of the vehicle with a jack or lift, then attempt to push the top and bottom of the wheel in and out. there should be no play, it should be solid.

[Whiteasysport]

Yest the plates were replaced they were toast.You could push the front end down and see the strut nut rise and lower on both of them.But I am wondering it they did it right.I also get a noise like something is not tightened over bumps from the drivers side.I have been reading about those plates and see them as a possibility even tough they were replaced.

Already checked the rest of the suspension parts and all seem to be tight.

[Tebore]

One more thing to check would be the wheels. Sometimes the wheel can be damaged. Had that happen on an old Olds 88, puzzled the hell out of me till one day we jacked it up and spun the wheel.

[Whiteasysport]

All the wheels have been pulled and rebalanced.I am leaning toward the strut mounts&springs are not playing well togther.I goes back to Monroe tomorrow I talked with the manager and they are going to check that.

[bailey]

The bearing in the mount or even the strut itself could be the problem. With the strut removed from the vehicle, the chrome plated strut rod should rotate smoothly within the strut. The bearing should also be very smooth and easy to rotate.

[Whiteasysport]

Originally posted by bailey
The bearing in the mount or even the strut itself could be the problem. With the strut removed from the vehicle, the chrome plated strut rod should rotate smoothly within the strut. The bearing should also be very smooth and easy to rotate.
Thats what I am thinking is the problem with the mount.Can it be tightened too much causing it to bind?

[pokesmot]

I spoke with one of the mechanics at work and explained the scenario, he suggested checking the bottom of the rack for leaking seals.

any loss of PS fluid or visible leaks?

[Whiteasysport]

No drips, runs or errors:D I had it back to Monroe and they said it was thier alignment machine BUT they were supposed to take it another shop and they had another car torn up on that rack so a 3rd trip is happening tomorrow.I told them I thought it was the mount sticking especially since when I went there yesterday when I turned out of my drive way I could hear some noise from turning the wheel in that area.They still maintain that it is the alignment and if it does not fix it they will pull the strut.I did tell them I am running out of time and patience.It is hard to get good help these days:mad:

[Tebore]

Well of course they'll say alignment(get money for an alignment job). It sure sounds like an alignment problem off the bat.

[tenspeed]

Sound to me like you need more toe in. Not enough and the car will wander like you describe.

[Whiteasysport]

Well I am not paying for it again they can align it till the cows come home.It does not wander but rather will pull in the direction that it was turned last.Sometimes it will track straight after going around a curve that is opposite the last 90deg turn taken.I will see tomorrow when they align it for the 4th time.They are taking it to another of thier shops this time and if it does not work they will pull the struts off.I will report back on the results.

[Whiteasysport]

Well no joy at Monroe.They changed the control arm bushings for free though.And flushed the rack and said it is leaking(it wasn't before they played with ).But the good news is I finally found the problem and am going to stick it somewhere when I go back to them to get it right.

Here it is:


MEMORY STEER
The steering wheel and wheels want to return to some position other than center. This may cause a steering pull or drift to one side after turning. Possible causes include:

• Misalignment or improper installation of Ford rubber bonded socket (RBS) tie rod ends. RBS tie rod ends do not swivel freely like conventional tie rod ends. When installed, the steering linkage must be centered and straight ahead before the tie rod studs are tightened. Inspect and readjust as needed.

• Binding in upper strut mounts. Raise wheels and turn the steering from side to side. If effort is high, disconnect tie rod ends from steering arms and turn each wheel by hand to check for resistance. If upper strut mount is binding or loose, the strut will have to removed or rebuilt to replace the upper bearing plate assembly.

• Binding in steering gear or linkage. Inspect tie rod ends and sockets. Check idler arm bushing. Check rack yoke adjustment or steering play in steering box. Replace or adjust as needed.

• Binding in ball joints. Unload the ball joints by raising the suspension. Let the suspension hang free with MacPherson struts. Support the lower control arm on an SLA, modified strut or wishbone suspension if the spring is on the lower arm, or the upper arm if the spring is over the upper arm). Turn the wheels from side to side to check steering effort. If high, disconnect the tie rod ends and try again. If a ball joint is binding, replacement is required.