There steering wheel is just one potential clue. Some things that allow a wheel to shift position can cause that tire and wheel to turn left or right without affecting the steering wheel or the other tire. Alignment technicians know that of the three basic adjustments, one affects the other two, one can affect one of the other ones, and one has no affect on the other two, so they are always adjusted in a specific order. That isn't important to you, but it just shows that not everything that causes your car to pull will cause the steering wheel to turn.
Since your mechanics haven't been able to find the common stuff, it's time to find a specialist. Just about any mechanic will be able to diagnose a brake problem, although USUALLY a brake problem causes the steering wheel to turn. A tire and alignment shop will look closer at lower control arm bushings, lower ball joints, struts, upper strut mounts, and steering linkages. They will look at the rear panhard rod that prevents the rear axle from shifting sideways. "Reading" the tire wear can also provide some clues.
Again, consider taking the mechanic along on a test drive so you can point out what is happening.
Caradiodoc
Thursday, March 25th, 2010 AT 10:57 PM