Car Pulling hard to the left ???

[getfuzzy77]

I noticed this a few days ago, and I think I know how it happened, but I need to know how to fix it and what needs to be fixed.

A few days ago I took my car to get washed. I wasn't lined up right with the guide (that part your wheels sit on that guides you through the car wash) and my front tire hit it and my steering wheel turned to the left fairly sharply. I didn't think much of it.

Well, until I was driving down the highway the other day and noticed that my car constantly wanted to turn left. It even happens as I'm slowing down. For example, I will be coming to a stop and I'll let go of the wheel just before stopping and the steering wheel will turn hard left.

I am going to take the car to the dealer tomorrow to have it checked out. I know they will probably think I don't have a clue what's wrong and will take my bank account to the cleaners, so I need a heads up as to what to expect.

The car had some work done to it just before it was sent my way. It was taken to a Nissan dealership and they fixed the alignment, and tension rods. I can't think of anything else they fixed that might have affected the steering. I don't know if the car wash incident is at fault since I only had the car for about an hour or so before then.

Also, about 4 days ago I had a new stereo installed in the car. I posted the problem on a thread somewhere around here, but I don't think anyone will read the post or reply since it's an oldie. Anyway, as I was leaving the place that installed the stereo (and speakers) I heard a loud clanking noise - like metal on metal. The noise came from about where my knee was resting (the area near the speaker or under the dash). It only lasted a few seconds and I haven't heard it since then. I don't know if it was just a screw that's loose or if it has anything to do with my steering.

I don't know if any or all of this is related somehow, but any information is greatly appreciated. I am going on a long road trip on Monday, so I need to get the car fixed before then. Hopefully any repairs made won't cost too much (anyone know how long the warranty is for the work done on the car before I got it? 30 days? 90 days? a year?).



Oh, and I'm driving a '98 240sx/se.

[skydragoness]

You need an alignment. The guide at the carwash probably screwed up the camber and toe setting on that wheel. No biggie, but definitely get it done before you go on your trip so the tech can see if you actually bent something and so you don't chew up your tires w/ messed up settings.

If you want to save money you could try taking you car to a NTB or other shop that exclusively does tires/alignments. Although its my pov that dealerships are usually competively priced when it comes to routine maintenance (oil changes, alignments, tires, etc).

As far as the noise goes, get out a screwdriver and undo the lower panel and check to see if something came loose. Did you post your stereo-related question in the 240sx technical forum or the audio forum? The technical forum gets more traffic so you may have better luck there.

Oh, and don't go to those kind of carwashes anymore! Go to the ones w/out the tracks or handwash it---your 240 deserves it

[getfuzzy77]

Thanks for the info! I swapped the tires on the car (since they are directional, I swapped the front and back on the right side). That helped a lot, but the car still wants to pull to the left however it is very slight. When I go above 70 the car really wants to go left. I don't plan on cruising at more than 70, so I should be fine for my trip. I talked to a mechanic I really trust (he's my best friend's dad and has worked on cars for more than 30 years). He said the car should be fine for the trip and said it might be my tires since they are almost to their warning treads.

I plan on getting new tires as soon as I get back from my trip, which the place I'm going to get the tires will do an alignment.

As for the car wash - the place I go to does a great job (better than those quickie gas station car washes), but I definitely miss washing my car. I think I might save the car wash for when I need the under body washed (i.e. beginning of spring).

Oh, and I called Nissan. They wouldn't be able to fit me in until next week and they wanted to charge me $70!!!!!

[skydragoness]

Well $70 is about right for an alignment from a dealership, perhaps $50-60 at a independent shop. Try asking co-workers, friends, etc for a reputable alignment/tire shop. Lots of places should be able to take your car in right-away and give it a look-over before your trip.

I really don't think its *safe* to drive a car that wants to constantly pull left on a long road trip. Esp. when you noted it pulls harder at a higher speed. Not to mention you'll get real tired of constantly correcting it after 45min of driving. When you take a long trip you want your car to be 100% because you don't know what you'll run into. Its a good idea to put new tires on before a trip, since the highway miles are a ideal situation to break-in new tires (500mi--is the usual break-in period) since they'll wear evenly (properly aligned car that is).

RWD cars are not safe on worn-out tires. I hope for your sake it doesn't rain on your trip. Lots of people on this forum found that out the hard way.

[getfuzzy77]

Thanks for the tip. I am having new tires put on the car tomorrow. I am also getting a free alignment.

[getfuzzy77]

Well $70 is about right for an alignment from a dealership, perhaps $50-60 at a independent shop. Try asking co-workers, friends, etc for a reputable alignment/tire shop. Lots of places should be able to take your car in right-away and give it a look-over before your trip.

I really don't think its *safe* to drive a car that wants to constantly pull left on a long road trip. Esp. when you noted it pulls harder at a higher speed. Not to mention you'll get real tired of constantly correcting it after 45min of driving. When you take a long trip you want your car to be 100% because you don't know what you'll run into. Its a good idea to put new tires on before a trip, since the highway miles are a ideal situation to break-in new tires (500mi--is the usual break-in period) since they'll wear evenly (properly aligned car that is).

RWD cars are not safe on worn-out tires. I hope for your sake it doesn't rain on your trip. Lots of people on this forum found that out the hard way.

I got an alignment report when I picked up my car. I had to guess at the technical terms, but it looks like the tires on the right side of the car were out of alignment. I'll have to look up how to decipher the paperwork, but the car feels much better. I really enjoy the ride on my new tires and hopefully this road trip will be problem free.