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Alignment experts - changing toe/angle problem

Old 04-23-13, 10:10 AM
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ISFFUN
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Default Alignment experts - changing toe/angle problem

Hello,

I have an interesting issue with my SC.

The toe changes (specifically the steering wheel angle) while driving, depending on the speed.

At low speeds, the steering wheel needs to be slightly to the right to go straight. When the steering wheel is straight, the car goes to the left.

At freeway speeds when the car has lift from the passing air, the steering wheel needs to be slightly to the left. When the steering wheel is straight the car goes to the right.

The LCAs are new and car was aligned at an in-n-out computer alignment place.

I suspect the steering rack, but the issue is consistent. Also could be the ride height, the right side of the car is lower than the left (don't know why - the sway bar mounts are correct- could be spring sag or LCA was tightened too low??)

Last edited by ISFFUN; 04-23-13 at 10:21 AM.
Old 04-23-13, 11:15 AM
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Dougspeed
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I'm thinking it's an issue with your tie rods or steering rack bushings. As far as ride height difference from driver to passenger side, that's pretty consistent with all SC's I've seen, it should only be a slight difference however.
Old 04-23-13, 11:30 AM
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xspsi6
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Yea sounds like rack bushings
Old 04-24-13, 07:10 AM
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ISFFUN
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Thanks.

The steering rack bushings are new Daizen/polygraphite whatever.

If you guys both think steering rack, it could be, because the car has that loud crunch vibration when you turn left at a standstill, it's like one side of the rack bearings are shot.
Old 04-24-13, 03:40 PM
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9 out of 10 alignment shops do the alignment wrong and the margin that is +- % is way unacceptable even in factory new cars so my advice would be to get a real alignment from a shop that only does alignments and yea it cost almost double of what a tire shop may charge but totally wakes the car up in terms of how it rides and handles.

Fyi a good alignment shop will not have a computer laser alignment machine such as a Hunter unit.
Old 04-24-13, 05:58 PM
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Dougspeed
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Originally Posted by ISFFUN
Thanks.

The steering rack bushings are new Daizen/polygraphite whatever.

If you guys both think steering rack, it could be, because the car has that loud crunch vibration when you turn left at a standstill, it's like one side of the rack bearings are shot.
Ok, with this bit of information, sounds like you need a new/rebuilt rack. Is it leaking any fluid at all? Might have to get under the car to see if any part of the rack is coated with oil.
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