i brought my car to the shop to get the alignment done over the weekend. Prior to this, the car was pulling to the left and the right (in the highway) every so often. I thought that by getting the alignment done that the problem will get resolved. Unfortunately, it still pulls to both sides. I spoke with the person I bought the car from and was told that he's replace both front and rear tie rod kits. He even showed me that receipt as proof. I need to know what I should do next. Suggestions, anyone!!??!!

Another thing, would like to install an aftermarket deck. Currently have a Bose CD/Cassette deck on my '00 Catera. Would it cause any complications. I've heard some scary stories. Is it worth getting it done.

Your tires could be fethered from the bad alignment. Doesn't take long to mess them up. Look at the tread. Is it worn evenly. You could try rotating them. While the car is in the air, grab each wheel and try to turn it. See if there's any play in the steering. You can see the tie rod joints where they attach to the steering knuckle and the center link. That is where they wear out.
Other common areas to look are pitman and idler arms, ball joints and the infamous lower control arms.

What exactly do you mean when you said "any play" on the steering? I'll rotate the tires. But what do I do next if rotating it does not fix the problem?

What exactly do you mean when you said "any play" on the steering? I'll rotate the tires. But what do I do next if rotating it does not fix the problem?

"While the car is in the air, grab each wheel and try to turn it. See if there's any play in the steering."

When you do this, if one of the control parts are worn out they will give and the wheel will move (either horizontally or vertically or both).

As for rotating the tires:

Did the shop who put in the new parts align it again after the parts were installed? It could either be that or theres more than one part that needs to be replaced.

"Grab each wheel and try to turn it", is somewhat confusing. Grab each front wheel and pull it left and right in the direction it whould move if turning the steering wheel, and have someone else look at the tie rods to see if there is any play. Also, most highways are paved unlevel so the rain runs off to the left and the right from the center. If this is the case, when you are in the left hand lane,the car should drift off to the left and drift to the right when in the right hand lane. How are your tires and what year is your Catera? What don't you like about the Bose?

Yeah, I guess I should have clarified that. I can just see someone spinning his wheels around and wondering what that proves about his tie rods! Thanks for clearing it up.
By "play in the steering", I meant that there should be no slack in the steering. All the joints should be tight and transfer all movement from one side of the car to the other. Nothing should move unless both front wheels are moving the exact same amount.
I hope that explains it. You'll probably know it when you see it or feel it.

appreciate all your help. you guys have been great. as for overplayed's ?'s, i have a '00 catera / haven't checked the condition of my tires yet / bose system? well, it's just that my wife bought me a deck for my old 95 mazda millenia and i couldn't part ways with it and thought that it wouldn't be a big deal to put it in the catera:nono:. as for JefferyG's question, yes they did align it again after installing the tie rod kits:yup:.

to y'all.......good lookin' out!!!