Loose steering

bhc8390 · #1 (**permalink**) 05-27-09, 02:40 AM

Hi, I have an 03 CTS with 130,000 miles on it. I had it aligned last week, but then i drove over a curb divider that evening, which knocked the alignment out again I think because it pulls slightly to the left. Now, I notice that the steering feels a little bit loose when driving, but its much more noticeable at high speeds. I do not know if the loose steering was caused by the alignment or hitting the curb, or what could be causing it. When the car is turned off, any movement at all of the steering wheel causes the wheels to move slightly. I put a video on youtube at

YouTube - Free play in Cadillac CTS steering

showing how much my steering wheel could move without changing the direction of the car at 80mph. Any advice is appreciated, thanks

Sammy Z · #2 (**permalink**) 05-27-09, 09:35 AM

Typically those alignment places give a one year warranty. Bring it back and tell them that it's not right. If there is a repair beyond what they will cover, ask for an estimate.

txbest1980 · #3 (**permalink**) 05-27-09, 09:40 AM

first off, great song in the background...

now for your steering concerns, in the video it doesnt seem to be moving an extreme amount. did you just get a one time alignment or did you go to like Firestone and get the lifetime alignment. if you got the lifetime alignment thing, then just take it back and have them do it again

Kingoftypos · #4 (**permalink**) 05-27-09, 11:42 AM

No matter what the case is. Life time adjustment, or the one year standard warranty.

Do NOT tell them what you did that evening. Just tell them that you didn't travel on the high way til later that evening and is when you noticed it.

KOT

Chuwee · #5 (**permalink**) 10-17-09, 03:55 PM

If you got the lifetime it does not matter what you tell them hell I had mine aligned once then replaced the tie rods and had it aligned again then replaced the rack and had it aligned again. There is no limit on how many times you get it aligned just say that it is guiding to one side and your ok. Now as to what the problem many be have someone check under to car and see if anything broke, bent, came undone because you many want to have it fixed first.

txbest1980 · #6 (**permalink**) 10-17-09, 05:11 PM

that was definitely a problem from 5 months ago...haha...but you are exactly right. get the lifetime alignment and take it in as often as you want