Strange Steering Problem

[TRIGGER]

:D Hi all, i have a 1.8 2000 none vvti, whats happening is the car is pulling to both sides and feels quite uneasy going over bumps etc, ive had this problem loads of times with previous cars, the problem was cured bye getting the alignment done. I took the car to my m8 to get it laser aligned, but he said the alignment was spot on and it must be a suspension problem. How can the alignment be fine if he says i must have a problem?, if there is a suspension problem the alignment would definately be out no matter what should it not, please help im confused , thx all TRIG :D .

[cfc1]

Although there could be a suspension problem (worn bushes or ball joints etc) the allignment may have been ok when it was sitting with the gauges on it.. but as soon as the car moves, the wish bones/track control arm could also move out of its position causing the car to be unstable and feel very loose at the front end.

I'm surprised the mechanic didn't check the bushes etc for you when he checked tracking.. all it needs is a lever and/or a quick visible ckeck... get it back in for a front end check.

[gazza1286]

I've found that Toyota steering is very sensitive to the condition of the tyres. Periodic wheel rotation should be avoided at all cost. My advice is to rotate the wheels such that two identical treads are on the front (the wear level should be the same as well). If this is already the case, swap the fronts around. The difference in handling will be quite noticable. Once you're driving straight don't swap the tyres around and only buy pairs as the tread wears down.

I've had steering problems with ALL five of my Toyotas. In each case it was caused by the previous owners either buying single tyres or rotating the wheeels. In all cases it was solved by swapping the wheels. The problems never returned.

[TRIGGER]

Hi guys, ive just fitted new tyres to the front so swapping wheels would obviously be pointless, havent tried rotating the wheels though how do i do that properly?. Cfc i get what you mean m8 about the guages being k on the ramp, evrything makes sense, ill get the car checked as soon as i have some free time, thx guys:].

[Avensis luna 03]

I've found that Toyota steering is very sensitive to the condition of the tyres. Periodic wheel rotation should be avoided at all cost. My advice is to rotate the wheels such that two identical treads are on the front (the wear level should be the same as well). If this is already the case, swap the fronts around. The difference in handling will be quite noticable. Once you're driving straight don't swap the tyres around and only buy pairs as the tread wears down.

I've had steering problems with ALL five of my Toyotas. In each case it was caused by the previous owners either buying single tyres or rotating the wheeels. In all cases it was solved by swapping the wheels. The problems never returned.

You're absolutely right, Ive been through the same many times in the 16 years I've had toyotas. It applies to all models imo.

[paul.spaulding@halliburton.com]

Have a mate with high milage Carina GTI that pulled one way under acelleration and the other as he decellerated. Turned out to be bottom suspension ball joint at front.