Pulls to Different Sides

[Threehz]

I wasn't sure what suspension forum to put this in because I don't know what the problem is exactly.

Bought the car with a pull to the right, not super bad, but pretty constant. Haven't had an alignment done because I thought it would be pointless if there was underlying suspension problems.

So the car will sometimes drive straight as an arrow, sometimes pull to the right, sometimes pull to the left, never super strongly. Now it will usually change pull direction after I make a U-turn. So after a U-turn it will pull to the left.

I don't know too much about suspension yet so the problem isn't apparent to me, any ideas?

[jlevie]

That sounds like binding upper strut bearings.

[Threehz]

Would missing spring pads be a possible cause forgot to mention that?

Do you need any special tools when replacing those?

[jlevie]

Missing spring pads won't cause this. To get the strut mounts off you will need a ball joint press and spring compressors.

[Threehz]

Cool nothing special. Is there any way to verify these would be the problem, or at least to see if my current mount bearings are faulty?

[jlevie]

You can't assess the condition of the strut mounts without taking them off the struts.

[MR 325]

Have you checked the condition of the tie rods and other bits of front end suspension?

[AndrewBird]

Have you checked the condition of the tie rods and other bits of front end suspension?

This. Badly worn ball joints can cause weird issues that change. Also, having a bit of toe out instead of toe in can cause the car to act weird as well.

I would just put the car up on stands and inspect everything. Take a look at all the ball joints/pivot points of the suspension and see what is worn. IT could be multiple things that are worn, not just one thing.

[Threehz]

Yeah I think tomorrow I'm going to have to have a good solid look at it and check everything out thoroughly. Thanks for all the input definitely put me in the right direction!

[RUFFLZ]

do you hear humming or a wobbly noise coming from rear?
because a bad wheel bearing could also be the cause.

[immajackuup]

a bad diff bushing causes me to pull to the right

[davem]

a bad diff bushing causes me to pull to the right

this makes no sense

[///digitalme]

i have the same thing happening to my car...and i know the problem is that its missing a small washer thing in the strut... im missing one on one side usually u turns are when it binds...just never got around to replacing it..you should look in to it

[Wschnitz]

Could be as simple as uneven tire wear.