I also watched the video. 😄 I check out all of The Car Care Nuts videos.

I need to check out those bushings. Thanks for everyone's help and suggestions into this matter. I'll check those bushings and follow-up.

 

So here is an update on the steering wheel alignment issue.

The strut rods were replaced and front brakes were also done. The original strut rod bushing surprisingly had no cracks after 25 years and 300k but they were slightly deformed. The car drives straight and the replacement strut rods appear to have not altered the wheel alignment much. The car still tracks straight but I still have the wheel alignment issue. A few mechanics say it's the steering rack, but I am not convinced. Today I spoke with an "alignment expert" that has only done alignments for the past 30 years. He swears that the rack must be shifting and the rack bushings need replacement. Which is what a few of you suggested. He says the steering rack being the cause is unlikely. I now will replace the rack bushings and go from there.

 

Thanks for updating the thread with your findings - not everyone does so it's nice to have theories tested!

p.s I think it's highly unlikely the strut rods were original if they had no cracks and no noise after 300k miles.

 

I was able to look under the car today while someone turned the wheel. The rack is definitely shifting slightly and the mounts are deformed. I am ordering the original bushings. How much in labor should I expect to pay to have a shop replace the rack bushings.

 

It ended up being the rack bushings. I had them replaced and the issue has been resolved. Thanks for everyone's help.

 

Oh wow blast from the past thanks for updating

That feels great to get something correct right out of the gate!