Alignment, pulling to the right?

Tiny
LIDDY50
  • MEMBER
  • 2016 JEEP PATRIOT
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 70,000 MILES
I bought this pre-owned vehicle in March. Since I got the vehicle, it has been pulling slightly to the right, just recently it was getting worse and now I have been going through tires wearing out constantly. So, I took it in and got an alignment done and now supposedly the tires are straight but now the pulling is even worse if I hit a crack on the street or a bump or anything the steering wheel shimmies really bad and pulls aggressively to the right and I'm also hearing like metal rattling under the front end of the vehicle. So, I was hoping to get some advice and what to look for.
Friday, September 30th, 2022 AT 4:30 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,055 POSTS
Hi,

It sounds like either there is a loose steering component or (and don't laugh) it could be a brake issue. If you have a brake hanging up, it could cause a pull.

The idea that you had it aligned leads me to believe the steering components were inspected before the alignment. I always do that before starting.

Do this. Safely lift one front wheel off the ground at a time. See if the wheel spins easily.

If it does, place your hands at 3 and 6 o'clock and wiggle the wheel to check for excessive play in the tie rods. Does it feel like there is play in the steering linkage? In other words, does the wheel move a bit while the opposite side doesn't?

Next, place your hands at 6 and 12 o'clock and do the same to check for play in the ball joints. Is there any play?

Also, contact the place that performed the alignment and ask if they checked all steering components and control arm bushings. See if that is a standard check prior to an alignment.

Let me know.

Joe
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Friday, September 30th, 2022 AT 10:57 PM

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