Ok here's the situation: my '89 lx sat for about 3 years. before pulling the motor, I had replaced the shocks, struts, and steering rack. It also had new coil springs which were about 2 years old at that point. After finally getting it running again last summer, I found that the steering was waaaay off. Basically, it feels like the car is trying to change directions, sort of wandering. So I had it aligned, and the problem got better, but not completely fixed. I saw the computer screen when the car was on the alignment machine, so I'm satisfied it was aligned properly. I replaced the steering rack bushings with the two piece aluminum ones from maximum motorsports, installed new end links and sway bar bushings, a flaming river steering shaft, and finally, a new steering rack and tie rods. The problem has not gone away. I don't know what else to check. I can't find anything broken or loose. Does anybody have any ideas what to look for next? Thanks. 
Steering problem...need help....
- Thread starter dkeiser1989
- Start date
DMAN302
My mom says thanks for the pearl necklace.
if the alignment was done properly you might want to look at the tires...might have some issues from sitting so long or another trip to a more qualified alignment shop if the previous job is in question. Also a narrow tire on the front will sometimes leave a car that likes to wander a bit with the contour of the road...but should have no 'pull' feeling on a smooth level road.
whtpny
New Member
If it is lowered did you use the offset rack bushings. Made a huge difference in my car. What about a bumpsteer kit?
Juiced87Notch
Member
check your front bearings, if there loose enough that can cause a wobble and or wandering situation along with horrible tire wear, and destroy the spindle if it gets bad enough.
Thanks for the replies...the car has new tires on it, stock size, so that's not the problem. I'm not sure what the caster is set to, but I'll find out and check it against the specs. It's got the offset rack bushings. Great idea about the bearings, I never thought of that. Is a bump steer kit necessary? I've got the FMS springs that drop the car 7/8" in the front and 3/4" in the back, I believe. Before the car sat, I had it aligned a couple of times with no bump steer kit, and I never had any steering issues. I've also got caster/camber plates for it. So I'll throw those on and get the alignment checked again. Thanks. :SNSign:
Hello
When I have had that sort of problem it was end links, Tires, or ball joints. You can jack up the front end one side at a time and grab hold of the tire and wiggle it see if you hear any clunking or movement without the rack and steering moving.
Hope this helps.
When I have had that sort of problem it was end links, Tires, or ball joints. You can jack up the front end one side at a time and grab hold of the tire and wiggle it see if you hear any clunking or movement without the rack and steering moving.
Hope this helps.
whtpny
New Member
Yea I have the B springs myself and am going to get the bumpsteer kit because of the difference the offset rack bushings made. If you look at the tie rod ends from the front you can se the angle that they are at and see how the longer tie rods will help.
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