| Author |
Message |
brandtcr
Samba Member
Joined: August 20, 2009
Posts: 2
Location: Corvallis, OR
|
 Posted: Thu Aug 20, 2009 8:20 am Post subject: Steering issues |
 |
|
Hello all,
I just bought my first vanagon! Yeah!  I found a torn steering boot and tie rod end on the right side. Replaced them both and got the alignment tuned in at les schwab. However the van seems to want to pull to the right. Any suggestions?
Maybe related? Tire pressure is equal on all tires tho the two fronts are different brands and previous owner had them pumped up to 55psi when the max is 36 psi.
Thanks |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
MarkWard
Samba Member
Joined: February 09, 2005
Posts: 18837
Location: Retired South Florida
|
| Posted: Thu Aug 20, 2009 9:33 am Post subject: |
|
|
| Sounds like you have the wrong tires on the front, but I would try a simple test. Swap the front tires side to side. See if the pull moves. I have seen tires cause a pull. Also while the van is jacked up. Spin the tires to make sure one is not dragging compared to the other. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Christopher Schimke
Samba Member
Joined: August 03, 2005
Posts: 5531
Location: PNW
|
| Posted: Thu Aug 20, 2009 10:19 am Post subject: Re: Steering issues |
|
|
| brandtcr wrote: |
Replaced them both and got the alignment tuned in at les schwab. However the van seems to want to pull to the right. Any suggestions?
|
While I am not knocking every Les Schwab out there, for some reason, Vanagon's seem to confuse the average alignment "specialist" and Les Schwab is the last place I would go to get my van aligned.
Not saying that the pull IS your alignment, but the fact that it started pulling right after having the alignment done does point in that direction.
However, like rsxsr's suggestion, there could be other reasons. Tire issues, sticky brake caliper, collapsed brake hose or a wheel bearing issue would be among the list of things to look to for the cause.
_________________
"Sometimes you have to build a box to think outside of." - Bruce (not Springsteen)
*Custom wheel hardware for Audi/VW, Porsche and Mercedes wheels - Urethane Suspension Bushings*
T3Technique.com or contact me at [email protected] |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
brandtcr
Samba Member
Joined: August 20, 2009
Posts: 2
Location: Corvallis, OR
|
| Posted: Sun Sep 06, 2009 9:21 am Post subject: Re: Steering issues |
|
|
Thanks for the great suggestions! As for les schwab the van was pulling before I took it in. However I will never be taking my van back there. After inspecting what they had done I discovered they lifted part of the van by the gas tank! Crushing part of the tank and brace!!!  To make matters worse I think it may have caused the gas tank to leak a small amount at the top.
As for the steering, I will try swapping tires to see if that makes a difference. Would not be surprised if it were a sticky caliper either. When I changed the the right tie end rod the steering wheel might have been locked, could it be I messed something up inside the steering rack? Like its off a pin or too?
Thanks for all your help!
cb |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
albiwan
Samba Member
Joined: August 29, 2005
Posts: 193
Location: glendale, ca
|
| Posted: Sun Sep 06, 2009 2:13 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| I'd demand that they replace the gas tank. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
