Steering problem

[maliath]

Hey all,
From low speed to highway speed, my 1997 sportage 4wd won't steer straight. Generally I have to keep it forcefully in the middle, if I let go at all it will turn immediately to the right and drift. I've checked all the tire pressure and I just replaced the bushings on the idler arm assembly....they were completely pulverized. It was much worse before I replaced those but it is still pretty bad. Could the missing bushings have caused some problems elsewhere in the power steering?

[LMP]

Are all other front end adjustment items checked OK? Pulling to one side means something is wrong that cannot be neutralized .
My suspicion, by ease of check:
- brake drag: common: right caliper piston drags and does not retract: after a run, the right wheel would be much hotter than the left
- worn bearing: lift the wheel and check for wheel play and free rotation
- camber out on the right side (that shows)
- caster assymetrical: My best bet: that does not show!! the force of wheels one against the other (that returns the steering to center when you lift your handsoff the sterring) balances out somewhere not at the center. Normally results form severe shock or improper reassembly after major front end repair.
- right hub stays in locked state ?!?!-not sure that is a good bet with the '97 ; what hub type do you have? '97 are automechanical aren't they? Wth vacuums, I'd think that possible, although they would rather stay unlocked. Forget that one for the time being.
- control valve in power steering is damaged and some oil pressure leaks to one side: a very remote possibility: lift both wheels and run the engine: this would pull the steering to one side

IN fact, did the problem develop while you had it or you have known it always like that?

[cbeck]

Dont suppose it just needs a little alignment?

[maliath]

right caliper was dragging, all better now....

[david mosley]

I've looked all over online but can't find a set of idler arm bushings for my 2000 Sportage. Can someone direct me to a website that sells them?...Thanks guyz.