Steering Issues

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May 8, 2008 | 07:27 AM

supdawg2u

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Driver School Candidate

Joined: Sep 2006

Posts: 26

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From: NC

Steering Issues

I put a new set of wheels on my LS 18x8.5 front and 18x9.5 rear and not my steering wheel is now cocked to the left when driving straight ahead. If I let go of the steering wheel while driving, the car will go to the right (steering wheel will go to it's normal straight position). I got an alignment and everything is as close to perfect as possible. I did not lower the car at all. Could my front tires be causing my problems if they are not square (bought them used) or something else?

May 8, 2008 | 07:45 AM

sonyman

Lexus Test Driver

Joined: May 2005

Posts: 1,405

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From: International

Your alignment was not done correctly. Part of the alignment process is correcting the steering angle.

May 8, 2008 | 09:05 AM

supdawg2u

Thread Starter

Driver School Candidate

Joined: Sep 2006

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From: NC

I took it back to Just Tires and they supposedly corrected the steering angle after I told them what it was doing. The guy told me he adjusted it as straight as it could be. He also said when he was backing it off the machine, he noticed it was trying to go left and right. That's when he said most likely it's a tire issue, but again before putting the new wheels on the steering was top dead center.

Quote:

Originally Posted by sonyman

Your alignment was not done correctly. Part of the alignment process is correcting the steering angle.

May 8, 2008 | 10:08 AM

tbilisi79

Instructor

Joined: Nov 2006

Posts: 953

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From: NYC

I still think its alignment. But if Strut bar bushings are bad, they might throw off the angle i think.

May 8, 2008 | 10:49 AM

19psi

Lexus Champion

Joined: Feb 2007

Posts: 2,489

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From: Lou-Evil KY

it's probably a tire. very often a tire will cause a pull due to the alignment of hte belts that make up the tire carcass. switch the front wheels/tires to the opposite side and see what it does.
also, with wider low profile tires, they will follow the road much mroe than standard grandpa tires. maybe that's what's happening. have you driven on different streets and the freeway since you got the wheels on?

May 8, 2008 | 02:08 PM

steveski

Lexus Champion

Joined: Oct 2005

Posts: 1,884

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From: TX

Sorry if I am misunderstanding but did you get an alignment with the "new" tires and wheels on the car? Definitely part of the alignment process is straigtening the wheel. Obviously you checked that tires were inflated properly right? If the car is pulling to one side ask your shop for a print out. Mine gives a color copy showing caster, camber, toe, etc.

May 8, 2008 | 05:33 PM

supdawg2u

Thread Starter

Driver School Candidate

Joined: Sep 2006

Posts: 26

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From: NC

Hey guys...found out the issue...bought used tires, and apparently the front tires are no good. Thanks for all the responses...guess I will be getting new tires!!