Steering drift problem

[jcode68]

Hi everyone,
I'm normally pretty active Stangnetter in the Classic Tech forum, but have an issue with my daily ride that I need to figure out and fix. I have a 2000 GT that is completely stock, nothing aftermarket at this point and has 98k miles.
Problem - my steering drifts around on me when I go over small bumps at any speed (fast or slow). The tires do not exhibit any strange wear pattern, seems consistent across the entire tread. It pulls like this both left and right. My first thought was bump steer, but that usually is caused by a change in suspension geometry like lowering or bigger tires based on my limited understanding. I have also noticed some noise when driving slow with the window down that could either be brake noise or wheel bearings. I plan to pull it into the garage this weekend and take a deeper look. Any experienced this type of problem and could reccommend what I should be looking for in my inspection? My first inclination was the swaybar was lose or broken bolt, but it doesn't appear to be this (viaually). Thanks in advance!

 

[DTNODYA]

Check your tie rods, sawaybar end-links, ball joints and my guess is wheel bearings. You may just need an alignment but since you hear a noise, that's why I'm thinking wheel bearings.

 

[jcode68]

Thanks for the reply. I will check the areas you listed. Any idea roughly what milage wheel bearings generally need replacement? Also, how difficult are uppoer/lower ball joints to replace in these cars? Special tools needed? I'll do a search for this info as well.

 

[stangGT97]

Balljoints are fairly easy to replace. Pick up a balljoint press kit from autozone (loan tool) and a pickle fork... these with 1/2" drive sockets and you will be golden.

 

[Torinalth]

bearings go out anywhere from 70k on.... mine started at around 95k but putting it off till i pay off my new laptop.

i'd also look into the bushing in the steering shaft to see if its gone bad and is allowing for slop in the steering.

other options would be tie rod ends for sure... and possibly ball joints. might want to pull apart your stock CC plates... i have heard that the stock rubber bushing in them can blow out and allow for a lot of slop under suspension loads... but its kinda rare.

Torinalth

 

[jcode68]

Update - was worn tires

Well, I inspected the front end and suspension components ans surprisingly, wheel bearings, ball joints and tie rod ends are all in good shape. Sway bar end link bushings look a little questionable, but were not failed. So I inspected the tires and they are slightly worn on the edges, sort of rounded and not flat. So I rotated the rears to the front and the steering drift problem has gone. So will eventually need to get some new tires, but problem resolved for free this time around. Might help someone else to check this before throwing money and parts to solve the problem.

 

[DTNODYA]

Glad you figured out what the issue was. Two suggestions for ya: Check your tire pressure and even out what is out of wack (if anything) ... that will help maximize the life your tires, crappy or not. Second, get a set of end links from maximum motorsports (they are cheap enough to go ahead and replace IMO) No special tools required for those