Steering problem - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

b-juggles · 07-23-2002, 15:48

Hey all,

when I brake with medium force the car pulls to the right fairly hard. it does this all the time without out fail. Unless you brake really hard. Also it some times lurches either left of right when I am just cruising on a straight.

Its a bit dangerous, so I was wondering what it could be?

I thought wheels badly out of alignment but I haven't hit any gutters or potholes. My brakes could be a bit dogdy maybe? I changed them recently.

Could the tie rod end be shot or some thing? (I did the left one recently though, and they said the right one was fine)

Anyone else had this lurching to either side problem?

thanks,

image · 07-23-2002, 17:58

Yep, check the condition of the bushes on the radius rod. This is a rod about an inch thick that connects from the lower control arm to the front of the crossmember. It's what keeps the wheels pointing straight when going over bumps and breaking.

If the rubbers seem ok, tighten up the nuts, especially the front ones.

b-juggles · 07-23-2002, 20:07

yeah when i hit a bump it does it big time!!

so you reckon thats it? i'll have a fiddle and let ya know

thanks!!!!

Futura97 · 07-23-2002, 23:48

I've got the same problem in my xf, though i don't think its quite as severe as yours.

I thought(got told) that it was the lower ball joints cause they were farked. Got them replaced and it still does it but not as bad.

Jase_ELXR8 · 07-23-2002, 23:52

if the toe isn't set right it will bump steer also....

Rollin · 07-24-2002, 03:59

check your rack-ends, all the ball joints, and bearing tension if they are loose or worn then your car will do that, then check wheel alignment

b-juggles · 08-01-2002, 15:41

an update - turns out the radius rod was fine!!! It was the welds in the pins for the camber kit that had had cracked and made the car go crazy. the pins where welded up (as opposed to bolted) becasue the bolts kept comin loose. Also, I had massive negative camber on front left wheel because the car at the front is soo low, and this has now fixed it!!!!!

so i killed two birds with one stone!!!!

cost - $50 which included welding AND a wheel alignment which was real cheap considerin he spent about 30 mins finding the prob, 10 mins driving and then he had to fix it !!!! - if anyone wants a good mechanic in the eastern suburbs i got one!!!