drifting

[fizz]

When I hit about 35mph and above my broncos front end starts to drift what could be causing this problem. What I mean by drift is sway back and forth and hard to keep on my side of road.

 

[Miss Kitten]

sounds like you need an alignment

take it to a local tire shop and ask them to take a look over it and see all what needs to be replaced before the alignment can be done

you may luck out and not need to replace anything, but my bet is that something is worn out that has tossed the alignment out of wack

 

[fizz]

sounds like you need an alignment
take it to a local tire shop and ask them to take a look over it and see all what needs to be replaced before the alignment can be done

you may luck out and not need to replace anything, but my bet is that something is worn out that has tossed the alignment out of wack

What parts if any could be worn out and how would i check them

 

[BUBBAS 666]

What parts if any could be worn out and how would i check them

First thing's first.

Always check your tire pressure before jumping straight to an alignment and parts replacement... while it's likely you do need something... a lot of the time an under inflated tire will cause a drift or a pull.

So check your tire pressure and set accordingly.

It should be about 35-38 psi. (38 psi if your running a slightly taller than stock tire or in cold weather.)

Next check your tire wear.

If it is just wearing on the insides of the tires, then that's another indication.

Parts to check would be upper ball joints, lower ball joints, and tie rods... and those just name a couple.

You'll be able to tell if your ball joint is worn out... also be sure to check your cotter pin to see if it isn't missing.

It won't cause a pull, but I've seen worn out ball joints missing the pin.

One way to check your tie rod is to jack your truck up about two inches on the left or right side.

Get a pry bar and put it between the ground and the tire.

Move it up and down and if you hear the tie rod moving, or the tire moves up and down that's an indication.

Those are just a couple quick things to look for to familiarize yourself with what could be causing a drift or pull before you end up spending a diagnostic fee for an under inflated tire.

Your camber, caster, or toe could be off and will be reset when you get an alignment.

Hope that helps a little bit!

 

[michibronc]

You may also want to inspect the radius arm bushings and brackets for slop. That can cause a wander too. Toe out is a common cause of wandering too.

Complete alignments cost a pretty penny on the TTB if they're done right, so definitely jack it up and check stuff out first. You're looking at $150+ to have the alignment done right if camber / caster is off. If just the toe is off, it's cheaper.

 

[fizz]

First thing's first.
Always check your tire pressure before jumping straight to an alignment and parts replacement... while it's likely you do need something... a lot of the time an under inflated tire will cause a drift or a pull.

So check your tire pressure and set accordingly.

It should be about 35-38 psi. (38 psi if your running a slightly taller than stock tire or in cold weather.)

Next check your tire wear.

If it is just wearing on the insides of the tires, then that's another indication.

Parts to check would be upper ball joints, lower ball joints, and tie rods... and those just name a couple.

You'll be able to tell if your ball joint is worn out... also be sure to check your cotter pin to see if it isn't missing.

It won't cause a pull, but I've seen worn out ball joints missing the pin.

One way to check your tie rod is to jack your truck up about two inches on the left or right side.

Get a pry bar and put it between the ground and the tire.

Move it up and down and if you hear the tie rod moving, or the tire moves up and down that's an indication.

Those are just a couple quick things to look for to familiarize yourself with what could be causing a drift or pull before you end up spending a diagnostic fee for an under inflated tire.

Your camber, caster, or toe could be off and will be reset when you get an alignment.

Hope that helps a little bit!

Thanks ill look for that stuff.

 

[Mike G]

Don't forget to check the rag joint in the steering shaft above the steering box (sector box) and the steering box itself. Mine did the same and had a new steering box put in it and it tracks great.

Mike

 

[Maddog]

Two things; First is it visible (I know but not to ask would be a tradegy). Second, Use the tape measure method to quickly tell if your front end is out of alignment. Top and bottom of the middle of the tire should be approximately the same. Anything outside of an inch (just for a quick reference) is a good indicator.

Almost forgot. How much play is there in your steering? Might be an indicator that your steering boxs needs adjusting or replacement.

GL