Alignment Problems

[skiwesser11]

Went to get front end aligned on 1988 GT , upon leaving I notice car is pulling to right almost as bad as before. I went back and was told that they can't get it to track straight because the "U-joint" on steering shaft is worn they say, (the one above the rag joint, not sure of proper name).

It doesn't make sense to me that "play" in steering would keep it from being able to go straight?? Guy said if I replace the U joint he will re-align free but it doesn't look like the coupling will come off of the shaft on bottom, is this u joint hard to replace? I've never heard of anyone having said problem.

Should I go to another shop and then go demand my $50 back or is this guy right??
all input appreciated!!

 

[jrichker]

Wear on the tires will cause a car to pull to one side or the other. The first thing to do is to rotate the tires. Check with the tire manufacturer - some tires don't like to be swapped from side to side because they are unidirectional.

How much slack are in the tie rod joints and universal & flex joint steering shaft couplers?

The universal and flex joint steering shaft couplers can be inspected with the car parked on the ground. With the engine off, have a helper rock the steering wheel back and forth while you inspect the universal and flex joint steering shaft couplers for excessive slack. You'll need a sharp eye and a strong light to do a good job.

Support the car on jackstands with the jackstands placed as close to the wheel as possible. With the steering locked, have a helper try to move each front wheel just like it would move if you turned the steering wheel. While they are rocking the wheels, you are under the car watching for slack in the tie rods.

 

[skiwesser11]

Tires and steering rack/tie rods are all brand new. no play when trying to move wheels with car on lift. Steering wheel has a "normal" (I'd say for an '88) amount of play in it, appears to be mostly in the "universal joint". not drastic like a OLD car lol. I'd say maybe 10* of play in steering wheel if that makes sense.

Thanks j!

 

[skiwesser11]

Is this universal joint worth it to replace? Not a lot of play in it. Anyone ever heard of having had to replace one to get car to align straight?

 

[Riverart]

Here's my experience on the matter. New tires and wheels were installed. I also replaced all tie rod ends and bushings though I did not replace the ball joints (seemed ok) or the control arm bushings. My car pulls to the right after the second rack was installed. Had it realigned and it wasn't much better. I don't have the caster/camber plates and my car is lowered. I have wider tires so it doesn't help. Oh and I also replaced my rag joint to help tighten up the steering. It's better but not great.

 

[mikestang63]

no reputable shop would do an alignment on a car they know has bad suspension/steering components. Take it to another shop. There are a dozen reasons why your car is pulling.

 

[skiwesser11]

no reputable shop would do an alignment on a car they know has bad suspension/steering components. Take it to another shop. There are a dozen reasons why your car is pulling.

Agreed, after talking to the man who does all my trans, rear end, problems I can't fix...work, (he was service manager at local ford dealership for 30+ years, and knows more than anyone I'd trust for sure but is very "stock" minded if you know what I mean) he says he's replaced very few of those universal joints on steering shaft and that you can't get them anymore (he can't, but he probably doesn't go online lol). At any rate I believe seeing as car has been smacked pretty good in front 23 years ago what I need is a 'front end man' not a kid trying to read numbers on a machine and if they can't fix it in 30 mins then it must be whatever problems they CAN find.
One side was all in correct parameters, so why not just adjust other side to track straight?? I have no idea how to align a front end but I know on my car there aren't much adjustments you can make.
Guess I am going somewhere else

 

[mikestang63]

Agreed, after talking to the man who does all my trans, rear end, problems I can't fix...work, (he was service manager at local ford dealership for 30+ years, and knows more than anyone I'd trust for sure but is very "stock" minded if you know what I mean) he says he's replaced very few of those universal joints on steering shaft and that you can't get them anymore (he can't, but he probably doesn't go online lol). At any rate I believe seeing as car has been smacked pretty good in front 23 years ago what I need is a 'front end man' not a kid trying to read numbers on a machine and if they can't fix it in 30 mins then it must be whatever problems they CAN find.
One side was all in correct parameters, so why not just adjust other side to track straight?? I have no idea how to align a front end but I know on my car there aren't much adjustments you can make.
Guess I am going somewhere else

Take the alignment sheet showing the caster, camber and toe(the shop did give that to you right?) to the next shop so they know what the specs before and after the alignment were done. First, have them do a thorough inspection of the front end inclding ball joints, all bushings, tires, shocks, the subframe, rack, tie rods, etc. Do NOT go to a Tire KIngdom, Discount Tire toe n go type of shop. Go to some of the regional or local mustang boards if no one here can direct you to a good alignment shop. Call some of your local body shops and ask them who they recommend too.