Topic: Steering wander

[Pompeyfan]

My grandson is complaining of steering wander in his 1996 Cavalier. He has studded winter tyres installed that were balanced at installation a month or so ago, pressure doesn't seem to be a problem and is same on both sides. I drove the car myself and must say that he was right - the car is all over the place - it is icy on the road at the moment in our locale and I am used to driving my CRV but even so - I was quite nervous. Where would you suggest I start to look. Incidentally, a couple of months ago he put the car in a ditch and he assures me that the steering wheel was straight and level before but is no longer. Is it possible that something let go underneath, I don't see anything obvious. Will an alignment put this right ?

[maritime_storm]

Sound more like something is loose in the front end, control arm bushings have seperated perhaps? I would take it in and have a suspension/alignment tech look at it.

[Juke1]

Have this car's front end inspected asap, as maritime wrote, bushings, I would add worn out tie rods.  Now snow tires do give you a different feel, but you need to make sure.

[safristi]

..tell him to stop dating WANDA.............................................

[Roddy]

My grandson is complaining of steering wander in his 1996 Cavalier. He has studded winter tyres installed that were balanced at installation a month or so ago, pressure doesn't seem to be a problem and is same on both sides. I drove the car myself and must say that he was right - the car is all over the place - it is icy on the road at the moment in our locale and I am used to driving my CRV but even so - I was quite nervous. Where would you suggest I start to look. Incidentally, a couple of months ago he put the car in a ditch and he assures me that the steering wheel was straight and level before but is no longer. Is it possible that something let go underneath, I don't see anything obvious. Will an alignment put this right ?

Well if we rule the tires out, we then need to look at front end wear and/or alignment. Inspect the rack, ball joints and tie rod ends first. As far as alignment goes, insufficient caster can create poor straight line stability, however, the amount you can adjust it stock is limited and if some bending has occurred a trip to the frame shop may be required.

[articsteve]

Where would you suggest I start to look.

Two wheel front end alignment at a reputable shop should cost $50-60 depending on how seized the tie rod ends are.

Do not go into the shop yacking about the car going into a ditch or anything other than "I think it's about time for an alignment".  If there is something wrecked underneath let the alignment guy find it on his own. 

[Roddy]

I wouldn't trust any shop that claims that they will only do a 2 wheel alignment.

[articsteve]

      It's a 1996 Cavalier.  KISS