Pulling to one side?

Reid H

There are several reasons for a vehicle to "pull". however the first question I would ask "is it a pull or a drift?"

Pulling would be felt in the steering wheel, you would be constantly fighting the wheel to keep the van straight.

Drifting is less strong and simply requires adjustments with the wheel to go straight.

Does this happen when cruising or when accelerating or braking.

The alignment can be right on the money, everything tight and the tires good but the van still "pulls"

This could be the van following the crown in the road which is there to assist rain to run off to the shoulder. When the alignment is done this is supposed to be compensated for by actually building in a bit of a pull with a caster or camber adjustment.

Too many young so called technicians don't really know how to do an alignment and trust "the machine" to tell them when the alignment is right. This will result in an alignment that is within specifications but still not going straight.

Realize also that you have 4 wheels on that van. The real wheels can also be out of alignment which will steer the van opposite the direction of the misalignment.

Some Mini Vans have 4 wheel independent suspension so the rear wheels need to be aligned at the same time as the front, hence the term "4 wheel alignment"

If the rear is a solid axle then the problem is known as a thrust angle problem, imagine a wagon being pushed backward with the steering axle turned slightly to one side or the other.

A "Stuck Caliper" could be causing a "brake pull" with the severity effecting the pull accordingly. Badly stuck and the pull will be violent when applying the brakes (away from the stuck caliper)... slightly stuck or dragging will cause a constant pull toward the stuck caliper.

The rear brakes will also cause a brake pull, far less violent and only with brake application.

There is also a possibility that the power steering can actually be steering the car into a pull. If the spool valve sticks it can be providing assist in one direction when it should be at rest. This is easy to diagnose, with the car in the air start the engine and let go of the wheel, it this is a problem it'll look like a ghost is steering your car.

You replaced ONE tire, it will be slightly larger than the old one on the other side, ever try to roll a funnel, it's going to turn toward the smaller tire. You also have tires in the back that can be causing the pull.... have the mechanic rotate the tires and look for ANY change in the pull. This would indicate that you still have a tire problem. While you're at it check for size and pressure differences.

A Good ASE Certified Technician should be able to diagnose this problem easily and not use your wallet as a tool. If your guy can't then your problem is simply diagnosed, you have a defective mechanic.

Wheels

It sounds to me like it's really BAD out of Line so you might have them check that FIRST.

Paul

I once had this problem. Three alignments failed to correct it. FINALLY, it was discovered that a bushing in one of the A-arms had popped out of place, and wouldn't stay when repositioned, so it had to be tack-welded in place. Problem solved.

Ask the shop to check all the bushings, suspension components, and steering components.

duc602

un even air pressure will do this also.

virgil_rozario

Since you mentioned that you've already double-checked the alignment, then try checking the control arms as well. Does the van pull only when the brakes are applied? If so, then check and see if you have worn pads or jammed calipers. Lastly if all is ok, check the toe in/ toe out of the front wheels. Most likely, your mech has overlooked this.

ironstu3

your wheel alignment is still out and the more you take it back the more its going to cost as a mechanic myself take your van to another garage ask them to check the wheel alignment i would guess they will tell you differently if so take your van back to the first garage and tell them you had it checked somewhere else if it still does it take it to your local council garage ask them to check it out they should tell you the problem as they aren't after making a profit they should solve the problem

good luck

english bob

tyre pressure?sticking caliper?brakes?if you swap tyres front to back(same side)might help?failing that swap tyres side to side?you can check tracking yourself with tape measure if you don't trust the garage?what van is it?

towelee_1

Look at your brakes one break could be stuck on or coming on to soon.