semi wandering steering...

[dkbmxer002]

ok.. so i recently replaced both my control arms. since i have done this my steering wheel is slightly turned to the left as if i am barely turning while i am going straight and i have a very twitchy steering... it's as though it wants to kind of veer left or right if i don't hold it and pay attention. i have never had this issue in the past...

here are a list of things..

- the power steering fluid was low enough to not read on the cap. i filled it to the top fill line.
- with the car jacked up in the front when i turned the wheel semi quickly lock to lock it had some air bubbles coming up through the reservoir.
- there is no wiggling of the wheels other than what is slightly felt all the way through to the steering wheel.
- the nut on the steering column under the dash is tight.
- tires have inside wear but i always have this and never had the wandering before.


i just listed these to help diagnose this issue... i am kind of stumped.. i assumed the tie rod/s but with no play in the wheel i am not sure. any advice would be appreciated, thanks!

[StereoInstaller1]

Go get an alignment first.

If they try and sell you more than a simple "toe" adjustment, ask why, as there is no other adjustment to be made...if they try to sell you a "4 wheel" or "thrust" alignment, walk out the door.

[dkbmxer002]

alright thanks.

even though i just replaced the control arms it might be an alignment? i want to make sure i don't have to spend the money twice.

what can i do to help with the inside wear? it is pretty bad and i assume it is from the lowering springs (stock blown shocks). i know factory these cars and most bmw's have this issue but mine is really bad lol.

[StereoInstaller1]

Inside tire wear is caused by shit alignment WAY more than camber

[u3b3rg33k]

control arms have much less to do with alignment than tie rods and ball joints.

[silversleeper]

Did you replace the CABs with offsets?

[dkbmxer002]

nope, kept the standard cab's.

also i figured that tie rods and ball joints... hence why i am confused...

and stereo, thanks. i will look into a cheap alignment, i just don't want to spend alot being that i know it needs new shocks and tires soon.

[jlevie]

If the car is lowered the wheels have gained negative camber, which will accelerate inside tire wear. The real fix for a street car is adjustable camber plates on the fronts and eccentric RTAB's or weld-in camber/toe adjusters in the rear. However, if you don't want to go that far, setting front toe to zero will reduce the rate of tire wear. Though that will reduce directional stability meaning that you will have to actively drive the car 100% of the time.

As an FYI, replacement of a control arm or bushing requires alignment of the fronts.

[dkbmxer002]

so the only alignment adjustment possible/needed is the "toe" period?

[jlevie]

Without adding camber plates or rear adjusters, toe is the only thing that can be adjusted.

[nando]

toe out kills the insides of tires. get an alignment!

[dkbmxer002]

ok thanks guys!

[dkbmxer002]

bumpin this thread.. it seems hard to find a shop that will just do a toe alignment around here.. also will toe out cause the steering to be very "twitchy" and want to swerve left or right without being very alert with the steering. at the same time it is wearing the tires extremely fast..