Wandering on Highway

cvadala7813 · #1 (**permalink**) 07-24-09, 12:39 PM

Over the past month or so I have notice my car start to wander a bit on the highway from side to side. i first thought it was due to my bald tires, but I got new ones and it still does the same thing. The car only has 56,000 miles on it and i am not really sure what this could be. It is progressively getting worse and I am starting to feel unsafe on the highway. I just wanted some educated opinions before I take it to the dealer and have them look at it. Thanks!

CTSV_510 · #2 (**permalink**) 07-24-09, 12:50 PM

When is the last time you got a wheel alignment?

cvadala7813 · #3 (**permalink**) 07-24-09, 12:55 PM

I just got the car 4 months ago and have no gotten one since I got the car. I opted not to get one with the new tires because the place was gonna charge like $100 for it. Is it possible to be as simple as getting them aligned?

ProudCaddyDaddy · #4 (**permalink**) 07-24-09, 01:01 PM

Get the alignment checked and if you need it realigned, might I suggest NTB.
They offer a warranty with thier alignments so you can get your car realigned everyday if you want. I got a three year warranty and it was like $50 buck more than thier standard.

z06bigbird · #5 (**permalink**) 07-24-09, 01:05 PM

It could be pulling to one side--alignment problem.

Wandering from side to side is more likely a part that has worn out its bushings.

I am wondering if your vehicle is wandering. LOL

cvadala7813 · #6 (**permalink**) 07-24-09, 01:08 PM

It also doesn't feel as if the alignment will fix this problem. It does not pull to one side like a car does that needs to be aligned. The front end almost wiggles a bit and will do it randomly every once in a while. It is not a constant pull from side to side.

Sammy Z · #7 (**permalink**) 07-24-09, 02:44 PM

I had a similar problem, turned out to be one of the tie-rods. To check them, jack up the front, hold the tire and move it side-to-side, there should be no motion, if there is, the tie-rod is worn. Do the same thing on the other side.

They are about $150 ea to replace.

cvadala7813 · #8 (**permalink**) 07-24-09, 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sammy Z

I had a similar problem, turned out to be one of the tie-rods. To check them, jack up the front, hold the tire and move it side-to-side, there should be no motion, if there is, the tie-rod is worn. Do the same thing on the other side.

They are about $150 ea to replace.

That sounds like a reasonable fix. Thanks