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.
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The car:
2000 Civic LX, 174,000 miles, daily drive, automatic.
The car is 100% OEM, except both front lower ball joints are less than 6,000 miles old.
The tires were dry rotted and worn out.
The alignment was bad.
No power steering leaks, good fluid.
Power steering pump not making noise.
There does not feel like there is any slop in the steering wheel.The problem:
The car wanders a bit, the steering wheel tugs slightly and makes the car feel like the wind is blowing on it.
The steering wheel does not center all the way by itself when I let go of the wheel coming out of a turn. It returns to about 1 or 2 o’clock.The fixes:
I had it aligned and bought new tires. This made a very marginal improvement. The installer did not comment on bad bushings, joints, ends, etc.
I inspected all of the front end joints, ends, rods and did not notice anything worn.
I found a small tear in the outer axle boot on the passenger side that was slinging grease. I will pack it and replace the boot this weekend. I am guessing I tore this when I changed the lower ball joints less than 6,000 miles ago.
I changed the left front bearing because I thought it was making a bit of noise and had it in my head that it may be hanging the wheel a bit. This did not make any difference.I’d like not to throw parts at this. Where is my next place to investigate or what do you think the issue is?
- Replies
When you do a “jack rabit” start, does the car pull to one side, then straighten up again? If it does, I would suspect a motor mount is bad. Also, if you have any buzzing noises like a back, side window, making a funny sound, check your motor mounts.
[quote=”cb7ftw” post=36915]When you do a “jack rabit” start, does the car pull to one side, then straighten up again? If it does, I would suspect a motor mount is bad. Also, if you have any buzzing noises like a back, side window, making a funny sound, check your motor mounts.[/quote]
I have not noticed any torque type steering, or odd noises. I do have some vibration at idle, so I will check out the engine mounts. Thanks!
The first thing that comes to mind is the tires. This is often overlooked and is the #1 cause of a problem like this. You might rotate the front tires to the back and see if that helps. The second thing that comes to mind is the PS rack itself or loose parts in the steering. I know this video is about noises but it should help you inspect the suspension. Lastly it could be an alignment issue however the angle that would cause this is NOT adjustable on that car so if the caster angle is the problem there is most likely something bent causing the problem. I would check the tires and the rack first however.
So here is an update:
The random tugging has stopped.
There is a squeeky front joint somewhere. Cant seem to locate it.
The changes its center. Sometimes the wheel is at 12 oclock and tracking straight. Sometimes i have to hold the wheel at 1230 or 1 to track straight. No. Event causes this change. Sometimes it happens while driving perfectly straight.
The steering wheel kn 90 degree turns is unwinding back to centrr far less than it was. It probably only returns about a quarter of a turn. I have to pull it the rest of the way. It may be getting tougher to turn the wheel, but it is hard for me to tell.I have looked at the arms and rods, nothing obviously bent. The rack is not loose. I rotated the tires as suggested. They are brand new balanced and with straight rims. It was happening prior to the tire purchsse so the rotation did nothing.
Whatched think?
I am thinking there isnt enough pressure to get the rack to center. The change in the center point is caused by air or a change in pressure? So. Is thenrsck binding or is the pump weak? Or is itmsomething else?I think you need to replace the rack. With the engine off and wheels centered (straight), see how much movement is required to cause the front tires to start moving in first one direction then the other. The difference in steering wheel position should not be more than about 1 inch. This tests the mechanical condition of the rack without the power assist.
usually when a steering does not return when making a turn.
that indicates front end alignment. particularly caster. also
the steering wheel should have been straightened at your last
wheel alignment. I would suggest after the boot replacement.
take the car to another shop for a wheel alignment.
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