Gen 3 pulls to the left after Tokico install - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

frenum49 · 03-28-2009, 03:00 PM

Ok so I know that I need an alignment after the Tokico install. I have to wait until Monday for that. Anyway, I installed the Tokico HP's this morning and the car pulls to left pretty hard. I think the drivers front spring may have shifted out of its perch location a bit. It also makes a bit of noise when I crank the wheel way left. Like the spring is shifting in its seat. I am going to put it back on the lift tomorrow morning to double check but I was wondering if anyone else has had this sort of trouble after installing the blues. Other than this I am very impressed with the performance of these struts vs the shot OEM units I had on there..LOL. I have not cranked on it too hard yet with the pulling issue but that will come soon enough.

wtftoy · 03-28-2009, 03:08 PM

What springs did you use? After you check to make sure everything is in correct order, do an alignment then post back.

frenum49 · 03-28-2009, 03:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wtftoy

What springs did you use? After you check to make sure everything is in correct order, do an alignment then post back.

OEM springs. I have no plans to drop this car.

wtftoy · 03-28-2009, 03:14 PM

Ah I see, if you can't drop and want more improved handling, look out for a trd rear sway bar or whiteline.

frenum49 · 03-28-2009, 03:16 PM

Already have the TRD with 2 stage settings.

Jimnist · 03-28-2009, 03:31 PM

As a general rule of thumb, whenever your working around the steering and/or suspension, you have to get an alignment when you're done. And hey, when they're aligning it, maybe the servicing guy might even notice something you might've done wrong.

After converted my Camry to power steering, driving it to the alignment shop was atrocious. Was pulling slightly to the left and had severe toe out, which caused it to slightly screech when driving as well as hopping to either side when going over any little bump.

***ASG14*** · 03-28-2009, 06:26 PM

I'm going to assume you are not a cheap ass and infact replaced the strut mounts if they were original. Those clunk when broken.

frenum49 · 03-28-2009, 06:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ASG14

I'm going to assume you are not a cheap ass and infact replaced the strut mounts if they were original. Those clunk when broken.

Strut mounts are fine. There is no clunking.

Gibson99 · 03-28-2009, 10:38 PM

it's easy to accidentally install the upper spring perch (touches top of spring) at the wrong rotation relative to the upper mount, because the "out" arrows aren't always obvious and sometimes are missing! If this is installed wrong (sounds like it might be) then you will get exactly that - a grinding or crunch noise when steering all the way to one side. you'll also feel the steering get slightly tighter during the last 1/2 rotation of the wheel going to that side.

Quote:

Originally Posted by frenum49

Strut mounts are fine. There is no clunking.

dude... not everyone has the money to replace stuff just "while you're in there". personally i only replace things when they are broken or are showing signs that they're about to break. i have never replaced upper strut mounts on any car except the gen4s that had the TSB for them - i did a ton of those at work.

frenum49 · 03-29-2009, 04:03 PM

Pulling problem solved. The drivers upper spring perch had rotated clockwise about 1.5" when I loosened the spring clamp. This occurred because the top isolator in the upper mount had rotated and the spring was trying to seat itself into the old impression. I compressed the spring and made the adjustment. All is well. Still need an alignment tomorrow of course.

While I had her up on the lift I went ahead and finally welded up the OBX-R fart can I have had sitting around the shop since last summer. Sounds pretty good. A little droney, but I have yet to install the silencer insert. Should quiet it down a bit. It was nice to get rid of that mammoth of an eye sore of an OEM muffler.

One thing though. I got on it pretty good when I left the shop and when I let go of the throttle she stumbled a bit. Must need to adjust for the sudden lack of back pressure. Just did it the one time. I am sure it will straighten itself out.