2006 Impala 3.5LT Pulls left after alignment
Aroc23
08-14-2010, 11:26 AM
Hoping anyone has any insight to my problem since I'm at a loss now. I recently replaced an inner tie rod and a wheel hub assembly on the front passenger side of my Impala. I went to Precision Tune to get the alignment done and was told that I either had a bent strut tower or a bent frame, but they weren't able to see either. Now my car has a steady pull to the left while I'm driving and the steering wheel is about 10-15 degrees off center going to the right.
It seems odd that I could have a bent frame or strut tower without ever being in an accident. Could it be because my inner tie rod on the front passenger isn't the same as the one on the front driver side now? Would the person doing the alignment have to just take that into consideration or should I just replace the other inner tie rod? I checked the other inner tie rod and it looks perfectly fine, but maybe I might as well do it.
It seems odd that I could have a bent frame or strut tower without ever being in an accident. Could it be because my inner tie rod on the front passenger isn't the same as the one on the front driver side now? Would the person doing the alignment have to just take that into consideration or should I just replace the other inner tie rod? I checked the other inner tie rod and it looks perfectly fine, but maybe I might as well do it.
oldblu65
08-14-2010, 11:38 AM
Take it to another reputable alignment shop and get a second opinion . Also check the air pressure in all tires , especially the left front as a front tire under inflated can cause the " pulling " as you described .
maxwedge
08-14-2010, 06:48 PM
Bent parts that they describe would show in the thrust angle or SAI, get the print out and post what those readings and the caster and camber say.
Earlyboomer
08-15-2010, 07:58 AM
I am starting to read Impala threads because I just bought an 08, so I am not an expert on them. Did you have the pulling to the left before you replaced the tie rod? If you didn't have the pulling and the misaligned steering wheel?, I would suspect its something you did. This is why you studyied Geometry in school.There is a lot of Geometry involved with steering. Its typical to count the number of turns it takes to unscrew a tie rod so you can get the new one in close to where it belongs as far as the length. Maybe I am not 100% percent correct on this as to your situation, but maybe, again, it will help you to think it through.
You don't want to compound the problem by possibly making another mistake on the other side, I would sort the first one out, first.
(I haven't even seen the underside of mine yet.)
You don't want to compound the problem by possibly making another mistake on the other side, I would sort the first one out, first.
(I haven't even seen the underside of mine yet.)
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