The last couple weeks, I have been getting a strange pull when driving. Often it is in lower speeds. I thought that it was just because I put on some summer wheels with a wider tire (7.5in) (still very possibly the reason for the pull). Now, however, I am starting to think that it may be caused by something else, because it is stronger at times, and then smoother at other times. Has anyone else had this issue? The new wheels are 17''s. Any guidance or suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Thanks! Hope everyone has gotten out to enjoy the great weather (FINALLY)!
If the pull is upward then it is a UFO trying to abduct you. Remain calm, relax your sphincter and you will be fine.
telling us what way its pulling 1st will be the 1st question. The 2nd is what car is it on. 3rd will be any mods or maint recently done other then the new tires.
MY 2004 WRX. no recent mods besides the wheels. I had an alignment done recently and have wondered if that may be part of the issue? It pulls harder to the right, but most of the time pretty evenly between both sides.
Mainly at lower speeds. I've noticed it around my place in St. Paul, up by my parents in New Brighton, and from time to time even on the highway, especially turning (clover leaves, and what not).
who did the alignment? did you notice the pull happening after the alignment or after the tire swap (or did you do them at the same time?)
I did the tire/wheel swap and then with in 2-3 days did the alignment. I went to Tires Plus in St. Anthony, and I got the lifetime alignment. I have thought about just going back and having them do another, and see where that goes.. but I don't remember noticing it before that...
Have you driven a car with performance tires on it before? Larger and stickier tires tend to "track" on the road more than other tires.
I agree with Bullwinkle, I know that I notice alot more pull when I go from the winter 17's to the 18's that I run, I especially notice "wallowing" when I drive on rutted tar roads, it can really make driving much more exciting. it also seems like I expreience more "lift" when accelerating and turning, resulting in some torque steer.
Same experience here. I take the same road every day, winters (205/55/16) are fine and summers (235/40/17) "track/wallowing" left and right. I do have as aggressive a front alignment as Jeff could give me with stock setup. No sure what Frogy is talking about as far as lift and torque steer.
could be the tires braking in still - how many miles on them? perhaps one of the wheels is slightly bent-did the tires balance fine? Or your alignment may have been poorly done-aligning a car "withing spec" as they will tell u can be pretty sloppy. Always get your car aligned at a shop that will do it to your specifications, some places will charge you a bit more but it's worth it if you truly care how your car handles. Make sure front and rear cross-camber and toe are as close to 0 as possible. Good luck
Tires are probably around 1000 miles, as far as i know there was no problem with balancing. The alignment is sorta what i am thinking... the thing about it is, is that it is not consistent with these pulls. I wonder if there is something getting stuck? I also had my brakes done a few months back (march or april)...maybe that could be something? I'm baffled. Thanks for all the help/advice guys!
So nobody has said to check the tire pressure? This is much like the guy who was complaining about his oil light coming on because of a cracked pickup, when in reality the car had 1 qt of oil in it, just sayin....
We skip the obvious too often. Then feel like idiots when it was something "easy." I'm too lazy to go back over everything, but: -Tire pressure. -Jack car up and check for sticking brakes. (or check wheel temp after driving) -Check alignment (you can do toe at home). 0 or positive toe is great for turn in, but causes "dartiness" and "wandering." -Check for uneven wear on tires. -Check for ride height differences. -Check all the other suspension goodies (tie-rods, ball joints, wheel bearings, bolt tightness). I once found the wrong size bolt used in the strut to knuckle connection which caused massive camber changes during cornering. Check all the stupid little stuff. -Check all the other stuff I forgot.
My car did this even after an alignment and all it turned out to be was low tire pressure on a front tire. Filled it up and problem was fixed.
Keep in mind that some times brakes stick only when hot. I've seen more than one be completely free when cold and then lock up when hot.
