steering problem

[danoly30]

Hi,
I've just replaced the control arm for both sides of my '96 windstar because the ball joint was worn out. Now I am having problem steering the vehicle. It's kind of wandering wherever it hit a small slippery patch on the road. Anyone know what posibly causes this problem?

Dan

[northern piper]

Have you had the suspension/steering checked to determine what component(s) need replacement? If you've simply changed both control arms that shouldn't affect the alignment but I'd wonder about the health of your inner/outer tie rods, sway bar bushings, sway bar links. Are all of these components original?

Piper

[danoly30]

I replaced the tie rod end about 6 months ago (both sides) and got the wheel aligned and replaced sway bar link (driver side) about 3 months ago. The rests are probabaly still original. Before I replaced the control arm, I didn't have this kind of steering problem, only knocking noise when I hit a small bump, that's probably because of the bad ball joint. The noise gone, but now the steering problem come.

[tripletdaddy]

That's real surprising that one or both of your ball joints went from fine, good enough for an alignment to in six months needing to be replaced and no longer drives like it is properly aligned. I will grant that it is possible for the tiny amount of play that was removed with new tight bjs, could change the alignment. So I wonder if things are not perfectly put back together, the replacement parts are not dimensionally identical to what was removed, the old vs. new bj play as already described, and tire condition. I add tire condition because I recently experienced a vehicle with unbelievable pull to one side with no other symptoms, so assumed it needed an alignment. Nope, bad tires. I couldn't believe the difference and with no alignment!?!

Unless you are able or willing to tinker with the alignment yourself, you probably have to bite it and have it aligned. It really isn't too bad to do yourself as there is only one adjustment, toe, but it is a two part adjustment, getting the right amount of toe and centering it to center the steering wheel. Of course the laser alignment is better and will catch anything loose, worn, out of place.

[wiswind]

I take mine to a good shop to have the front end checked out.
I am not a mechanic....and don't feel that I can do as good of a job with an inspection.
I like to catch things before they are real obvious.
A alignment includes a good shakedown of the front end....which, to me....is just as important as the alignment.

Yesterday, I was passed by a 1998 windstar, and it was obvious to me that they had a problem on the front passenger side....most likely a broken spring.....that corner was lower.....and the back, driver's side was riding higher......
I had a front spring break way up at the top.....ride height was normal to the casual inspection......my mechanic caught it because I asked them to specifically check the springs.