I need help! Steering wheel not straight!

[Tmajors31]

I have had my 93 explorer for 6 months. I have replaced the "centerlink" (inner tie rod), since it was totally shot. I also changed to manual hubs and got all new wheel bearings. Along with this, I replaced the radius arm bushings as well. I have taken it to an alignment shop, and they say nothing is wrong with it. They lined it up a few months ago, and the steering wheel was straight. Now it is not. It doesn't feel like it is wandering, but I seem to have to correct the wheel a lot while driving. It is aiming toward the right, if that makes sense. Is my steering box maybe going out? (138,000 miles) The brakes look fine. How do I know where to start with this problem. The shop says it is lined up. Please help me, I don't know what to do.

Tara

 

[Kontrol-Trak]

I'd take it to a different shop and see what they can do. The steering wheel in my Ex isn't aligned either, But it doesn't pull to the sides. What is involved in aligning the steering wheel and how much does it cost?

 

[CoryL]

Take it to an alignment shop and have them set the toe. Chances are when you replaced the center drag link, it threw it out of whack.

That should fix the problem for about $30.

 

[Tmajors31]

they redid the alignment under warranty after the centerlink was replaced. That is when it seemed fine. It seems as though the steering wheel has slowly been turning to the right, more as I drive it. what do ya think?

 

[jimmiecakes]

Time to have the front end rechecked - never fart around with steering and brakes (ever wonder about those mysterious single vehicle accidents?). This could be a case of "tire pull" or a sign that something else is amiss. If you are having an attack of wallet fever, try swapping the front tires side for side and see if the steering wheel follows the swap.

 

[CoryL]

Originally posted by Tmajors31
they redid the alignment under warranty after the centerlink was replaced. That is when it seemed fine. It seems as though the steering wheel has slowly been turning to the right, more as I drive it. what do ya think?

An alignment and setting the toe are two completely different things.

However, if it has a warrenty on the alignment, bring it back in and complain. Get them to change it again.

Now if I had to guess I would wager your ball joints are wasted which is causing the alignment and toe to constantly change.

 

[spiper]

My wheel points a little to the right. If I let go while driving the truck veers left. Is this simply alignment out of whack?

 

[jimmiecakes]

Akchooly, adjusting the toe in is PART of an alignment. Adjusting toe and centering the steering wheel are the last step before the road test.

Improperly set toe will scrub off a set of tires faster than any other problem....

 

[JoshC]

If your steering wheel is ****ed one way then you have to adjust both outter tie rod ends toward the way it is facing, make sense? Mine is ****ed because i adjusted my right outter because the wheel looked really funny and out of wack. I'm assuming it works the same way with the first generation!

Happy trails!!

 

[Tmajors31]

I took it back a few days ago, and they said everything is fine. They checked all the front components, and showed me it was within specs. They are starting to get a little frustrated with me I think. I have had it in there 4-5 times already since the first alignment in November. I guess I will have to break down and go to the local Ford dealer. My wheel is definitely not straight. It does feel like it has some play when I steer. I paid $50 for the original alignment. I am not too happy with them right now. I hope this is not too serious of a problem, like steering box!

 

[jimmiecakes]

Re-reading your original post - are you trying to say that it pulls to one side? If so, there could be a tire problem that won't show on an alignment rack. And for shame for shame that your alignment guy hasn't road tested the vehicle......

 

[Tmajors31]

It doesn't seem consistant about pulling to one side. It more less follows the road. It is hard to describe. Sometimes it pulls to the left, sometimes to the right. I am constantly correcting the steering even while on the interstate. Something does not feel right. The alignment place has the best reputation around here. They have never road tested it. I do wonder if they want rid of me, since they said maybe you should take it to the Ford dealer. I should have forked out the extra money in the first place. I took my Cobra there for gear change and they screwed it up. I am reluctant to take it to the dealer.

 

[jimmiecakes]

I can see where the frustration factor is running high.... Your alignnment shop really needs to take your car for a road test - if for no other reason than to verify your complaint. (For years I have tried to convince techs that verifying, i.e. experiencing, the prolem first hand is the first step in a speedy diagnosis and effective repair).

The symptoms you have described here have me thinking steering box or steering coupling shaft. With the car at rest but with the steering wheel unlocked, how much can the steering wheel be rotated without moving the front wheels?