Steering issue on long sweepers

[wparsons]

Originally Posted by Spence96

I almost did, because the steering snapped in that direction. Hence why I had to countersteer slightly. I did not apply any steering, throttle or brake input, but my car randomly snaps in the direction I am turning. It happens on smoother on ramps for highways as well so I don't think it is because of the road surface. I am leaning towards it being more of an issue of blown struts, cheap suspension with unbalanced front and rear spring rates, or something might be loose or bent under the car.

I'd get all the suspension parts checked out. Look at the ball joints, bushings, tie-rods, etc.

You can do most in your driveway with a jack if you have time, maybe see if there's anyone local that's knowledgeable to help if you're unsure.

[Spence96]

I crawled under the car tonight. I noticed that the front left wheel and tire wobble just slightly when it is in the air. I took it off and shook the brake caliper lightly and it wobbles as well. My brother who is a mechanic suggests a wheel bearing may need to be replaced.

This makes me think this is the source of my issue since it is the front left side and my car only acts funny in right hand turns.

Can anyone confirm this is a symptom of a bad wheel bearing or is the whole assembly loose at the axle nut? Will try to post a video tomorrow.

[strat61caster]

Originally Posted by Spence96

I crawled under the car tonight. I noticed that the front left wheel and tire wobble just slightly when it is in the air. I took it off and shook the brake caliper lightly and it wobbles as well. My brother who is a mechanic suggests a wheel bearing may need to be replaced.

The caliper is supposed to move when jiggled, that's how it operates.

What do you mean by "wobble"?

When it spins it isn't a perfect circle? Or when you grab the wheel and shake it, it moves in a direction it's not supposed to?

Neither would be a wheel bearing which is typically noisy before it starts causing handling issues. It could be a lower ball joint wearing out which may cause handling oddities.

[wparsons]

To rule out bearing vs ball joint vs tie rod, jack the car back up and do the following:

1) Grab the wheel at 9 and 3 and see if there is any play (if the right front tire is on the ground still this is much easier)

2) Grab the wheel at 12 and 6 and see if there is any play.

If there's only play in #1 it's likely a tie rod, if there's only play in #2 then it's likely the ball joint. If there's play in both it could be both, or a bearing. Typically you'll hear the bearing before it has enough play to see though.

[Spence96]

Originally Posted by wparsons

To rule out bearing vs ball joint vs tie rod, jack the car back up and do the following:

1) Grab the wheel at 9 and 3 and see if there is any play (if the right front tire is on the ground still this is much easier)

2) Grab the wheel at 12 and 6 and see if there is any play.

If there's only play in #1 it's likely a tie rod, if there's only play in #2 then it's likely the ball joint. If there's play in both it could be both, or a bearing. Typically you'll hear the bearing before it has enough play to see though.

If it is a ball joint or a tie rod, would you recommend I go with a bump steer and roll center kit or just go with OEM parts?

[wparsons]

Originally Posted by Spence96

If it is a ball joint or a tie rod, would you recommend I go with a bump steer and roll center kit or just go with OEM parts?

I haven't priced out the OEM parts, but IIRC you can't buy just an OEM balljoint, so you'd have to replace the whole control arm (which means the inner bushings as well) and I would want to replace both sides at the same time. It's likely significantly cheaper to get the whiteline roll center / bump stop kit, and will help with front grip a bit. You'll definitely need an alignment after either option, so that's not really a factor.

[Icecreamtruk]

Originally Posted by wparsons

To rule out bearing vs ball joint vs tie rod, jack the car back up and do the following:

1) Grab the wheel at 9 and 3 and see if there is any play (if the right front tire is on the ground still this is much easier)

2) Grab the wheel at 12 and 6 and see if there is any play.

If there's only play in #1 it's likely a tie rod, if there's only play in #2 then it's likely the ball joint. If there's play in both it could be both, or a bearing. Typically you'll hear the bearing before it has enough play to see though.

100% agree with this, one small note that I will add is that I had a front wheel bearing that had some play in it, but the car makes so many weird and loud noises I never noticed until I wiggle the wheel. It had play on both directions with the other front wheel on the ground.

[Spence96]

Update:

My front left ball joint was not completely tightened down, and the front left wheel bearing was replaced under warranty. The car now handles great again. Thanks for the help everyone!

[arkanist]

Originally Posted by Spence96

Update:

My front left ball joint was not completely tightened down, and the front left wheel bearing was replaced under warranty. The car now handles great again. Thanks for the help everyone!

That's good news! You might want to update the original post with your solution. It can help future users diagnose similar issues.