Steering issue! Might be dangerous?!

[xtremeskier97]

I recently got my transmission rebuilt in my 93 V6. Since having it back, I got the alignment done because the steering wheel was not straight when I got it out of the shop. In fact, they told me when I picked it up from the transmission shop that I need to get it done because the steering wheel was not straight.

I noticed yesterday while driving that the steering wheel was way off center again. So my wife and I kept watching as I took corners. It would constantly go back to different spots when the car was going straight! There HAS TO BE something loose, but I have NO idea what it could be.

Could ANYONE shed some light on this!? Any suggestions as to what I should check to make sure everything is tight?

Thanks for any help!

[chronoti]

might be a loose steering rack, where did you get your alignment done? my rack was loose and i took it to toyota and they notice they couldn't get the aligment right and found the problem for me and fixed it for free (just tighting bolts but still)

but tho i just came back from the dealer for this and the wait time is REALLLY high (recall nonsense).

also theck the control arms and tie rods are nice and tight, you can take it back to where you had the aligment done and have them check and do it right.

[bigbird]

so you have taken it in for an alignment?

[xtremeskier97]

Yes, the day after I got it back from getting the tranny rebuilt, I got it aligned. It wasnt pulling one way or the other when I got it from the tranny shop, but the steering wheel wasnt straight.

So you think I should take it to the tranny shop or the alignment shop?

[JohnGD]

If things went south after you got it back from the shop, then I'd check the tightness of the steering rack as suggested. The shop probably drop the transmission from the bottom, and if so they loosened the engine cradle and steering rack. They also loosened the left axle. If they didn't use a torque wrench then I personally don't know how they'd get the axle nut right.

Put the front end on stands and see if you can detect any free play at the wheels (12-6, 3-9 o'clock). In addition to that, do the standard check of ball joints and control arm bushings, bolts, engine cradle bolts (wheels on the ground), etc.

Originally Posted by xtremeskier97

Yes, the day after I got it back from getting the tranny rebuilt, I got it aligned. It wasnt pulling one way or the other when I got it from the tranny shop, but the steering wheel wasnt straight.

So you think I should take it to the tranny shop or the alignment shop?

[xtremeskier97]

Took it back to Firestone today and they told me that the steering rack bolts were not tightened completely. This wore out the bushings on the rack, so not they have to be replaced. I had them document all that and i called the transmission shop and they said they would fix it. Im taking it to them in the morning and dropping it off. HOPEFULLY, this will be the last time.

[ricamryman]

Glad that they will take care of it for you!.....I have a 1993 LE V6, in great shape with 115K miles! I will be happy as a clam if I make it to your 237xxxK miles.....