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Not tracking in a straight line

Van Bagley

Van Bagley

Platinum Level Sponsor
When driving around 60mph my SV has a tendency to drift from one side to another. Last year I replaced the steering rack with a rebuilt unit, New wire wheels and hubs and the tires are a few years old. Any thoughts on why this is happening would be greatly appreciated
 
Van Bagley said:
When driving around 60mph my SV has a tendency to drift from one side to another. Last year I replaced the steering rack with a rebuilt unit, New wire wheels and hubs and the tires are a few years old. Any thoughts on why this is happening would be greatly appreciated
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Stock Series Alpines do not have a steering rack. Did you mean to say steering box?

Series Alpines do not typically have enough castor for radial tires which makes proper alignment (especially toe-in) and lack of slop in the six tie-rod ends extremely important.
 
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Thank you....
I ment to say "steering box". I did have the car aligned when the new steering box was installed. I will go back to the shop and do a bit of research. The ball joints are not all that old and I have not noticed anything odd with the tie rods...I will check
 
Van B,

Just for information and curiosity, what tire and wheel combo are you running - and pressures?

Another point to check is the relay pivot on the right side of the engine bay. Probably the best method is raising/lowering the right side to change weight loading on front right suspension, instead of steering input.

Have a good day,
 
I would check the bushings at the ends of the drag link (cross over bar between the two side at the back of the firewall) if the bushes are worn there will be vagueness in the steering.
 
Last edited:
husky drvr said:
Van B,

Just for information and curiosity, what tire and wheel combo are you running - and pressures?

Another point to check is the relay pivot on the right side of the engine bay. Probably the best method is raising/lowering the right side to change weight loading on front right suspension, instead of steering input.

Have a good day,
Click to expand...
I have new wire wheels ( made in India) with new splines and knock off's. Tires are 185 x 70 x 13 Sumitomo's ( hard as rocks) 32#'s each
 
Do you have any idea what kind of refurbishment was done to the 'new' box? Too many or too thick shims could cause loose steering.
 
Sorry for the late reply. Car Week here in the Bay Area. I drive the Alpine to one of the car events in Monterey. The wondering steering is concerning. But now the rear diff started to make banging noise so we flatbedded the car home.
I suspect the new steering box is the problem and of course I can't find the receipt or the paper work. Still looking
 
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