car pulls to the right, even after new tires

[willysr121]

Hi all, I had 2 new tires put on front of this 01 Taurus. Now, it's pulling to the right especially on acceleration from stop. I let go the wheel, and starts pulling. I also added more air, helped some but still seems to wander. Any thoughts? or suggestions? Thanks for the help!

[04 SEL]

Did you have an alignment done?


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[fct]

The first thing you should check is wheel alignment. Normally a car should not lose its wheel alignment over time, but worn out suspension components may mess it up. It's a good idea to get the wheel alignment done every time you buy new tires.

Having said this, it may be possible also that you need more than wheel alignment. About a year ago my car developed a problem. It would pull slightly to the left. Numerous wheel alignments did not fix it. (this is with new balanced tires). I started rebuilding the suspension, which was already noticeably worn out. Ball joints, control arms, end links, etc. Nothing helped until I finally changed the strut assembly. Our cars have pretty weak spring coils that sag over time, and apparently this can wreck a havoc. So if wheel alignment doesn't help, take a close look at your suspension. In fact, inspect your suspension before getting the wheel alignment. If it looks like your suspension has issues (play in the wheels, etc), then I would recommend that you buy a life-time alignment contract from a chain like Firestone. A single alignment costs $60-70, while a lifetime alignment deal costs $150. On an old car, you can be sure that you will be using wheel alignment services a lot. A wheel alignment is technically recommended after replacing any suspension and steering components, and on our cars they ALL really need to be rebuilt after about 10 years of use or so.

[willysr121]

I did not get a wheel alignment, but have sent an email back to the shop. I will definitely have them check the suspension components as you said, as this car has almost 200,000 miles on it, probabl neds all components, Thanks very much?. Also, if alignment does not work, what 1 thing should they do first? or should I tell them?

[willysr121]

Ok, thanks I'll have the alignment done first, then look to other causes if necessary

[WJC]

You need a suspension evaluation before the alignment is done. Make sure they understand this.

[Rogerm60]

Originally Posted by WJC

You need a suspension evaluation before the alignment is done. Make sure they understand this.

Very true.
The car has torque steer. This is usually more than just tie rod ends.
Likely the arm bushings are gone.

[willysr121]

Ok thanks, I'll have them due a complete suspension inspection

[regl404]

Did it have the pull before the new tires were put on? If not, the problem may be the new tire(s). Usually, a tire pull to the right will go to a left pull, if the tires are swapped side to side.

[willysr121]

Honestly, I do not recall it having an issue pulling to the right. I don't know for sure,having said that, I figured it was a suspension problem, as I have done very few things to the suspension. And, this car has almost 200,000 miles on it