2G Steering wheel off center, pulling left

[Crashdot]

Hi,
I recently had some work done on my 99 Eclipse GSX, including replacement of the front lower lateral control arms and Eibach adjustable ball joints. After alignment within specifications, the car does not drive straight unless I turn the wheel slightly to the right, otherwise it pulls left.

I took it back and they tried to align it again, but could not improve the problem.

I understand that the caster difference is an intentional design change made by Mitsubishi in the 97-99 model, so it should not be responsible.

I do have Tein coilovers but they were not altered.

I've never had this problem before in the life of the car. Can anyone suggest what the problem may be?

Thanks

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[AWD-Tony]

Tires can cause the car to pull. Usually from belt separation or shift. You can swap the front tires to eliminate tires as the cause.

Did they at least straighten the steering wheel? This would drive me nuts

 

[Crashdot]

They did not center the steering wheel. I called one shop that told me the caster could be causing the problem, but they said the caster isn't adjustable. I don't know which is true.

 

[AWD-Tony]

Yeah not adjustable on dsm’s. Try swapping the front tires and see what happens. Used to work at a dealership and there were several times where brand new tires would cause a car to pull. How old are your tires? Also, make sure the front tires spin freely as stuck brake calipers can cause the same issue

 

[BLACK'98DSM]

They probably aren't using a steering wheel centering tool when they adjust the toe end. I can take a picture while at work tomorrow to show you exactly what I mean. It's just a little spring loaded stand that goes between the seat and steering wheel. They should center the wheel, then install the tool before proceeding with the alignment.

 

[Dericsh]

Did you have a chance to swap the tires? That’s my suggestion as well.

 

[Widgmaster]

Have you tried a caster / camber kit..... I know they sell a special bolt for correcting the camber ?

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I already confirmed this is the correct blot for your car.

 

[Crashdot]

Have you tried a caster / camber kit..... I know they sell a special bolt for correcting the camber ?

Alignment Camber Kit ,K90473, Napa 264-3641 | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Alignment Camber Kit ,K90473, Napa 264-3641 at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.ca

I already confirmed this is the correct blot for your car.

Hi,
The Eibach 5.67170K pro alignment kit (adjustable ball joints) I have installed allow for camber adjustment, but I don't think caster. As far as I can tell, the caster is consistent with the change made to the 97-99 models

"the 97-99 front suspension has a bit more passenger-side caster (5*-7*) while the driver side has a bit less (3*-5*)"

I don't think anything was done that should have changed caster. They changed the front ball joints and lower lateral control arms.

Thanks

 

[Brad Bell]

Hi,
The Eibach 5.67170K pro alignment kit (adjustable ball joints) I have installed allow for camber adjustment, but I don't think caster. As far as I can tell, the caster is consistent with the change made to the 97-99 models

"the 97-99 front suspension has a bit more passenger-side caster (5*-7*) while the driver side has a bit less (3*-5*)"

I don't think anything was done that should have changed caster. They changed the front ball joints and lower lateral control arms.

Thanks

Did you ever solve this issue? Was the camber adjustment kit the solution? I have a very similar issue with the car drifting to the left at highway speeds, having to hold the wheel towards the right to keep it straight. Gets worse the faster you go.