I just had my steering rack bushings replaced (thanks CW). Now my car pulls to the right...significantly. Also, when I turn left the wheels squeal like the car is fighting the turn. I will not drive it further until the problem is identified.

I could have worn front suspension parts as part of the cause, however, the car did not pull to the right before the rack bushings were replaced. Has anyone else had this issue?

My guess is that the geometry is off now. I have not double checked that the rack is centered although I did tell the shop to make sure it was. Not sure if they did yet.

Any input or experiences would be appreciated.

 

No special insite or expertise in this but could it be that new bushings threw your front end allignment out? If the steering rack ends up in a new place after bushing replacement that would certainly do it.

 

Yes, I agree. This now becomes a chicken/egg situation. I really cannot get an alignment before worn suspension parts are replaced, but I will not be sure it is an alignment problem unless I get an alignment.

My limited experience with this subject boils down to: "how worn is worn" when it comes to suspension and bushings. Additionally, how much can they affect steering.

 

As far as alignment goes the only thing that would've been disturbed in the "toe" setting. Even if you have other worn parts this can be reset independently of camber and caster.



Cheers
DD

 

Upon further review, the passenger side sway bar bushings are gone...literally. The bar was just riding up and down on the bracket post. I will be replacing both sides with poly bushings tonight. Hopefully that will help correct the geometry. After jacking up the front and shaking the tires (12/6 and 3/9) there is no play in the suspension. Although my ball joint rubber is cracked they still seem to be holding up. Replacing the uppers and lowers will be the next project.

 

Good that you are replacing the sway bar bushings but they don't have any bearing on alignment geometry.

Cheers
DD

 

^^^^^ X's 2

 

Ok, good to know. Sway bar is more for turns than straight line driving.

 

I was also going to say that at your cars age. anything thats rubber is bad in the suspension. and if it were mine and I wanted to keep it and get iit in shape. I would rebuild the suspension

 

That is a job I will be starting soon. Taking an inventory of bushings and various hard line suspension parts. Once purchased (vendor of choice options appreciated), I am in a 10 week class starting next month on advanced auto repair that allows personal vehicles as projects. Since this is a new endeavor to me, a trained eye is helpful. Plan on keeping this car for a long time.

 

Update... put the new sway bar bushings one (look nice!) and switched the front tires. Guess what... it pulls LEFT now. Hmmm I guess I found out what the dealio is now. Tires are bad. Considering they are 1996 Pirellis, I guess that makes sense. Off to find some new (used) tires.