Alignment Printout Sheet Question

[swshawaii]

What alignment setting(s) would cause poor steering return to center? I've read cross caster is the culprit, but am not convinced. Also, a very slight right steering drift on flat, uncrowned roads at all speeds. Tires are NOT the issue, and all steering and suspension parts are in good condition and moving freely. Also did a complete P/S flush using almost two quarts of Valvoline Mercon V. This is a thrust angle alignment printout sheet, and my ST is lowered 2-1/2 inches front and 3 inches rear. TIA

 

[koda2000]

Caster adjustment would effect the steering wheel not returning to center (straight ahead).

 

[swshawaii]

Thanks Phil. Much as I trust Island Brake & Alignment, and their stellar Yelp! reviews, owner/GM Derek's explanation of "it's a Ford truck thing" seemed weak and unconvincing. Something about ALL Ford trucks and P/S pumps causing poor steering returnability. He did offer to increase positive caster on the passenger side to see if it helps, even after almost one year.

 

[CDW6212R]

Those specs look really good overall. With it tending to steer left, I'd say adjusting the caster and/or camber can help that. But I would rather have an expert in alignment or suspension decide how much to alter those specs. I'm a novice and would be guessing completely, but I also have a shop which I trust a lot. They would likely help me to fine tune that a little if I had a similar issue.

But those figures are so good relatively now, it would be asking for a very slight change, and they might attempt it once, maybe twice. Don't expect them to be happy if it needs multiple changes. The initial diagnosis will be critical, have it set up and pull new specs, and then carefully decide which to adjust and hope it makes it go straighter and return to center better.

 

[swshawaii]

ALWAYS great answers and info Don. Thanks a million, again. sws

Also, steering "return to center" seems vastly improved since replacing the Michelin Latitude Tour's with new LTX M/S Defender tires.

If it ain't broke, .....

 

[CDW6212R]

Enjoy your truck as much as you can, I'm sure it handles very well relatively.

I have some Michelin 275/55/17's I bought for those odd wheels I haven't yet found a place to machine slightly(and refinish). I hope I get to appreciate those some day soon. There were only three tire choices in that size(typical), many things are kind of scarce.

 

[oklagp1200r]

What alignment setting(s) would cause poor steering return to center? I've read cross caster is the culprit, but am not convinced. Also, a very slight right steering drift on flat, uncrowned roads at all speeds. Tires are NOT the issue, and all steering and suspension parts are in good condition and moving freely. Also did a complete P/S flush using almost two quarts of Valvoline Mercon V. This is a thrust angle alignment printout sheet, and my ST is lowered 2-1/2 inches front and 3 inches rear. TIA

View attachment 420429

Tires are not the issue how do you know that for certain?

 

[swshawaii]

^ Should have retracted in the OP, and as mentioned in post #5, TIRES WERE almost certainly the poor steering returnability issue, but it could be better. Every car I've owned had a smooth return after making a u-turn. It's better, but still a little jerky. Either way I don't think I'll pursue this any further since it tracks dead straight with no drifting at any speed on straight, flat roads. Thanks.