Wants to go left even after alignment

[jmullan99]

I did try a search, spent 1-1/2 hours reading but didn't really find my answer.

My 03 ST wants to go left. I am constantly holding the wheel to the right. More so depending on road crown. If I let go so the steering wheel returns to center, I'm on my way to the left lane.

I have replaces upper arms, ball joints, bearings (2WD) and rotors. Had an alignment done. I cross-rotated the front tires which seemed to help for a short bit, but it's back. I'm assuming that I have now prematurely worn 1, now 2, front tires.

The brakes are not dragging.

Could folks please suggest things I can check in the driveway, and/or tell my mechanic.

Thank you.

 

[SoCal2V]

Possible the truck has some hidden collision damage somewhere?

 

[swshawaii]

Alignment shops usually have at least a 90 day warranty. Generally they will not align if parts need replacing.

Unless damaged after, take it back if you're covered. If not, find a competent shop and lick your wounds. GL

 

[BrianDye]

Is it a common problem for shops to not align perfectly? Right before I got rid of my Edge, I had replaced tie rod ends, ball joints, half shafts and got an alignment. It was much better, BUT still not perfect. (I got rid of it very shortly after due to trans issues arising)

Back when I put new tires on my 2000 X, as well as replacement front end parts, the alignment was so off that I was fighting to go straight down the road. Got it back and I could drive a mile straight without touching the wheel.

 

[jmullan99]

Possible the truck has some hidden collision damage somewhere?

There is no collisions that I am aware of.

 

[jmullan99]

Alignment shops usually have at least a 90 day warranty. Generally they will not align if parts need replacing.

Unless damaged after, take it back if you're covered. If not, find a competent shop and lick your wounds. GL

Thanks. I will likely take it back in.

 

[jmullan99]

Is it a common problem for shops to not align perfectly? Right before I got rid of my Edge, I had replaced tie rod ends, ball joints, half shafts and got an alignment. It was much better, BUT still not perfect. (I got rid of it very shortly after due to trans issues arising)

Back when I put new tires on my 2000 X, as well as replacement front end parts, the alignment was so off that I was fighting to go straight down the road. Got it back and I could drive a mile straight without touching the wheel.

It is a reputable shop. Perhaps when I go back and complain, they may dig deeper.

I was just wanting to know what other things might be wrong so I can be confident in what they may tell me is wrong.

 

[sr139fox]

Mh son's escort always pulled one way or another. Don't remember which way. Rotated the tires to include the back. Fixed it. I checked with my alignment shop. 30+ years experience and he said a bad tire would cause a pull. He has saved me more than once. Dave P.

 

[BrianDye]

It is a reputable shop. Perhaps when I go back and complain, they may dig deeper.

I was just wanting to know what other things might be wrong so I can be confident in what they may tell me is wrong.

I wasn't referring to the shop you had it done at, just of a general question, like is that a "common" thing to have to get it redone from what I experienced on my Edge.

 

[jmullan99]

Mh son's escort always pulled one way or another. Don't remember which way. Rotated the tires to include the back. Fixed it. I checked with my alignment shop. 30+ years experience and he said a bad tire would cause a pull. He has saved me more than once. Dave P.

I did cross-rotate the fronts. I will get to the shop and have them check. Perhaps rotate front-rear next.