A strong jerk to the right after getting some work done

[vickpick]

Got front struts, control arm bushings, passenger side axle, and ball joints replaced.

Now there is a pull to the right (alignment problem), but also a strong jerk to the right every now and then. Happens at speeds >35 mph.

Guesses? Thanks for the replies!

[fenixus]

did you do 4-wheel alignment after getting above replaced?

[vickpick]

I was going to get it done today, but I wanted to see if the jerks wre something else. If it is something else and I get a wheel alignment, I'll most likely have to get one again after fixing that initial problem.

I'm hoping there is nothing wrong and the toyota people don't charge me $49 for diagnostics. I've left it there overnight for something else and told them to do an alignment if that is all that is needed to fix the problem. If something else is needed, I'll have to pay the $49.

If I figure it out before tmrw morning, I can pick up the car and I won't have to pay the diagnostics.

[fenixus]

if you have Firestone nearby, you can get a lifetime alignment from them (no strings attached), they had it on promo recently around $149-159.

[carsrus]

Bad alignment usually causes that as I doubt someone left a tie rod or ball joint lose.

[vickpick]

Originally Posted by fenixus

if you have Firestone nearby, you can get a lifetime alignment from them (no strings attached), they had it on promo recently around $149-159.

I'll look into it. I remember I went to plenty of places last year looking for lifetime alignments. All shops in my area have cut it down to 3 year alignments, but I don't remember if I'd checked firestone.

Originally Posted by carsrus

Bad alignment usually causes that as I doubt someone left a tie rod or ball joint lose.

I have driven a car with ball joint not pressed in properly and thus lose - it didnt drive good at all.. there were knocks even at low speeds. So yeah, you're right it probably ain't the ball joints. Can a lose tie rod do that?

[JohnGD]

If everything is tightened down to proper torque and the control arm bushings are pressed in the right orientation then alignment is the primary suspect.

[vickpick]

well alignment first thing in the morning