Steering awkward
#2
Lexus Champion
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First, I assume that you have checked to make sure the tires are inflated properly, and are not bald.
Otherwise, I would start troubleshooting with wheel alignment, in particular, toe-in/toe-out alignment. The "sliding" is likely caused by your 2 front tires pointing at a slightly different directions. Does your car pull or drift to one side when you try to go straight?
A classic symptom of toe misalignment is a feathered wear pattern across both front tires, if the condition was left uncorrected. On the other hand, if this has just occurred (example if you hit a pot-hole and curb recently), then there would be no tire wear indication, yet.
Otherwise, I would start troubleshooting with wheel alignment, in particular, toe-in/toe-out alignment. The "sliding" is likely caused by your 2 front tires pointing at a slightly different directions. Does your car pull or drift to one side when you try to go straight?
A classic symptom of toe misalignment is a feathered wear pattern across both front tires, if the condition was left uncorrected. On the other hand, if this has just occurred (example if you hit a pot-hole and curb recently), then there would be no tire wear indication, yet.
Last edited by rkw77080; 08-11-15 at 03:18 PM.
#3
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I am experiencing a similar issue on my '02 UL with 135k. I was thinking it may be front lower control arm bushings. It's just a thought, I was going to take to the dealer for diagnosis.
#4
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The lower control arm bushings make knocking or popping sounds when going bad. Particularly going over rough road.
If your alignment is not off then I would look at your front lower ball joints. Also tie rod ends. Inner and outer. Something I need to do on mine before too long, the tie rod ends that is.
Go to a parking lot or area that you can turn the car in a circle at minimum circumference. In other words, with the wheel turned maximum to one direction or the other. If the car kind of pushes the tire or your hear the tire being pushed somewhat sideways then consider replacing the lower ball joints. This is the way mine acted and I replaced my LBJ's. Again, this is assuming your alignment is correct. That should be the first thing to check.
If your alignment is not off then I would look at your front lower ball joints. Also tie rod ends. Inner and outer. Something I need to do on mine before too long, the tie rod ends that is.
Go to a parking lot or area that you can turn the car in a circle at minimum circumference. In other words, with the wheel turned maximum to one direction or the other. If the car kind of pushes the tire or your hear the tire being pushed somewhat sideways then consider replacing the lower ball joints. This is the way mine acted and I replaced my LBJ's. Again, this is assuming your alignment is correct. That should be the first thing to check.
#6
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I got a wheel alignment... I think it fixed the problem... will give it a test tomorrow (toe in problem)
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