Car pulls to one side. Struts damaged???

[c***@yahoo.com]

Dear Experts,

I have a 97 Camry XLE that I bought in 2000.

Unbeknownced to me (and the I believe also the dealer),
the car had been in an accident.

There had been a collision with the right front fender.
The Right front, passenger fender had been changed.

The car kept pulling to one side.

The Tires and passenger Lower Control Arm were changed.
The steering was much better. But not perfect.

To keep the car straight, I still have to turn the
steering wheel slightly to the right.

Since then, the right front wheel bearing has also been changed.
There was some play, and the tires became scalloped on
the edges. The tires made strange noises.


Here are the stats from the wheel alignment the last time I
bought tires. NOte the Caster on the right front. Just within
spec.


Actual Before Specified Range

Front Right

Camber: -1.3 -1.4 -1.4 to 0.1
Caster 1.4 1.4 1.4 to 2.9
Toe -0.02 0.04 -0.10 to 0.10
SAI 13.9 14.0 12.3 to 13.8
Included angle 12.7 12.7 11.0 to 14.0
Turning Angle Diff -- -- ---


Front Left

Camber: -1.0 -1.1 -1.4 to 0.1
Caster 2.5 2.5 1.4 to 2.9
Toe -0.06 -0.13 -0.10 to 0.10
SAI 14.2 14.4 12.3 to 13.8
Included angle 13.3 13.3 11.0 to 14.0
Turning Angle Diff -- -- ---


I'm wondering if the right front strut might also have been
bent in the accident. And if this could explain the
pull to the left (requiring steering to the right).
Does this make sense?

If not, does anyone else have any other explanations for
the pull to the left?


Thanks a lot

[Ray O]

Post by c***@yahoo.com
Dear Experts,
I have a 97 Camry XLE that I bought in 2000.
Unbeknownced to me (and the I believe also the dealer),
the car had been in an accident.
There had been a collision with the right front fender.
The Right front, passenger fender had been changed.
The car kept pulling to one side.
The Tires and passenger Lower Control Arm were changed.
The steering was much better. But not perfect.
To keep the car straight, I still have to turn the
steering wheel slightly to the right.
Since then, the right front wheel bearing has also been changed.
There was some play, and the tires became scalloped on
the edges. The tires made strange noises.
Here are the stats from the wheel alignment the last time I
bought tires. NOte the Caster on the right front. Just within
spec.
Actual Before Specified Range
Front Right
Camber: -1.3 -1.4 -1.4 to 0.1
Caster 1.4 1.4 1.4 to 2.9
Toe -0.02 0.04 -0.10 to 0.10
SAI 13.9 14.0 12.3 to 13.8
Included angle 12.7 12.7 11.0 to 14.0
Turning Angle Diff -- -- ---
Front Left
Camber: -1.0 -1.1 -1.4 to 0.1
Caster 2.5 2.5 1.4 to 2.9
Toe -0.06 -0.13 -0.10 to 0.10
SAI 14.2 14.4 12.3 to 13.8
Included angle 13.3 13.3 11.0 to 14.0
Turning Angle Diff -- -- ---
I'm wondering if the right front strut might also have been
bent in the accident. And if this could explain the
pull to the left (requiring steering to the right).
Does this make sense?
If not, does anyone else have any other explanations for
the pull to the left?
Thanks a lot

Hopefully, you had a 4 wheel alignment and not just a front wheel alignment.
To answer your question, the strut or strut mount may have been bent in the
accident, but it should show up when the alignment is checked. Also check
tire inflation pressure and the condition of the tires themselves.

[Adam H]

Post by Ray O

Post by c***@yahoo.com
I have a 97 Camry XLE that I bought in 2000.
Unbeknownced to me (and the I believe also the dealer),
the car had been in an accident.
There had been a collision with the right front fender.
The Right front, passenger fender had been changed.
The car kept pulling to one side.
The Tires and passenger Lower Control Arm were changed.
The steering was much better. But not perfect.
To keep the car straight, I still have to turn the
steering wheel slightly to the right.
Since then, the right front wheel bearing has also been changed.
There was some play, and the tires became scalloped on
the edges. The tires made strange noises.
Here are the stats from the wheel alignment the last time I
bought tires. NOte the Caster on the right front. Just within
spec.

Hopefully, you had a 4 wheel alignment and not just a front wheel
alignment. To answer your question, the strut or strut mount may have been
bent in the accident, but it should show up when the alignment is checked.
Also check tire inflation pressure and the condition of the tires
themselves.

Fender? Tire? I thought this was a UK newsgroup?

A

[gazzafield]

Post by Adam H

Post by Ray O

Post by c***@yahoo.com
I have a 97 Camry XLE that I bought in 2000.
Unbeknownced to me (and the I believe also the dealer),
the car had been in an accident.
There had been a collision with the right front fender.
The Right front, passenger fender had been changed.
The car kept pulling to one side.
The Tires and passenger Lower Control Arm were changed.
The steering was much better. But not perfect.
To keep the car straight, I still have to turn the
steering wheel slightly to the right.
Since then, the right front wheel bearing has also been changed.
There was some play, and the tires became scalloped on
the edges. The tires made strange noises.
Here are the stats from the wheel alignment the last time I
bought tires. NOte the Caster on the right front. Just within
spec.

Hopefully, you had a 4 wheel alignment and not just a front wheel
alignment. To answer your question, the strut or strut mount may have
been bent in the accident, but it should show up when the alignment is
checked. Also check tire inflation pressure and the condition of the
tires themselves.

Fender? Tire? I thought this was a UK newsgroup?

We're the fifty first state of the USA. Did you not know this?!

[Jeff]

Post by gazzafield

Post by Adam H

Post by Ray O

Post by c***@yahoo.com
I have a 97 Camry XLE that I bought in 2000.
Unbeknownced to me (and the I believe also the dealer),
the car had been in an accident.
There had been a collision with the right front fender.
The Right front, passenger fender had been changed.
The car kept pulling to one side.
The Tires and passenger Lower Control Arm were changed.
The steering was much better. But not perfect.
To keep the car straight, I still have to turn the
steering wheel slightly to the right.
Since then, the right front wheel bearing has also been changed.
There was some play, and the tires became scalloped on
the edges. The tires made strange noises.
Here are the stats from the wheel alignment the last time I
bought tires. NOte the Caster on the right front. Just within
spec.

Hopefully, you had a 4 wheel alignment and not just a front wheel
alignment. To answer your question, the strut or strut mount may have
been bent in the accident, but it should show up when the alignment
is checked. Also check tire inflation pressure and the condition of
the tires themselves.

Fender? Tire? I thought this was a UK newsgroup?

We're the fifty first state of the USA. Did you not know this?!

Fifty-second. Canada is the fifty-first. And Mexico the fifty-third.
Same day, Peurto Rico may become a state.

Jeff

[adder1969]

Post by Jeff

Post by gazzafield

Post by Adam H

Post by Ray O

Post by c***@yahoo.com
I have a 97 Camry XLE that I bought in 2000.
Unbeknownced to me (and the I believe also the dealer),
the car had been in an accident.
There had been a collision with the right front fender.
The Right front, passenger fender had been changed.
The car kept pulling to one side.
The Tires and passenger Lower Control Arm were changed.
The steering was much better. But not perfect.
To keep the car straight, I still have to turn the
steering wheel slightly to the right.
Since then, the right front wheel bearing has also been changed.
There was some play, and the tires became scalloped on
the edges. The tires made strange noises.
Here are the stats from the wheel alignment the last time I
bought tires. NOte the Caster on the right front. Just within
spec.

Hopefully, you had a 4 wheel alignment and not just a front wheel
alignment. To answer your question, the strut or strut mount may have
been bent in the accident, but it should show up when the alignment
is checked. Also check tire inflation pressure and the condition of
the tires themselves.

Fender? Tire? I thought this was a UK newsgroup?

We're the fifty first state of the USA. Did you not know this?!

Fifty-second. Canada is the fifty-first. And Mexico the fifty-third.
Same day, Peurto Rico may become a state.

I'm lead to believe that *technically* some "states" in The States
aren't states at all but are territories therefore there are fewer
actual states than most people think. This won't help the car of
course.

[Scott Dorsey]

Post by adder1969
I'm lead to believe that *technically* some "states" in The States
aren't states at all but are territories therefore there are fewer
actual states than most people think. This won't help the car of
course.

No, territories aren't counted in with the fifty states. However,
the Commonwealth of Virginia and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts are.
--scott

[*]

Post by Scott Dorsey

Post by adder1969
I'm lead to believe that *technically* some "states" in The States
aren't states at all but are territories therefore there are fewer
actual states than most people think. This won't help the car of
course.

No, territories aren't counted in with the fifty states. However,
the Commonwealth of Virginia and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts are.
--scott

Ya missed one "Commonwealth"

Do you know which one?

Post by Scott Dorsey
--
"C'est un Nagra. C'est suisse, et tres, tres precis."

[JJ]

Commonwealth of Kentucky

Post by *

Post by Scott Dorsey

Post by adder1969
I'm lead to believe that *technically* some "states" in The States
aren't states at all but are territories therefore there are fewer
actual states than most people think. This won't help the car of
course.

No, territories aren't counted in with the fifty states. However,
the Commonwealth of Virginia and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts are.
--scott

Ya missed one "Commonwealth"
Do you know which one?

Post by Scott Dorsey
--
"C'est un Nagra. C'est suisse, et tres, tres precis."

[*]

Post by JJ
Commonwealth of Kentucky

A bit further North, and a lot bigger.....That's the "key" to the answer.

[edzacks]

Post by *

Post by JJ
Commonwealth of Kentucky

A bit further North, and a lot bigger.....That's the "key" to the answer.

That would be Pennsylvania

[ChrisCoaster]

Post by *

Post by JJ
Commonwealth of Kentucky

A bit further North, and a lot bigger.....That's the "key" to the answer.

That would be Pennsylvania- Hide quoted text -
- Show quoted text -

_________________
It seems like we have two interwoven threads here - politics and a
Camry that pulls to one side!
-CC

[*]

Post by ChrisCoaster

Post by *

Post by JJ
Commonwealth of Kentucky

A bit further North, and a lot bigger.....That's the "key" to the answer.

That would be Pennsylvania- Hide quoted text -
- Show quoted text -

_________________
It seems like we have two interwoven threads here - politics and a
Camry that pulls to one side!

How about civics/geography and auto repair technology?

Why does EVERYTHING on the usenet have to end up with politics?

[adder1969]

Post by Scott Dorsey

Post by adder1969
I'm lead to believe that *technically* some "states" in The States
aren't states at all but are territories therefore there are fewer
actual states than most people think. This won't help the car of
course.

No, territories aren't counted in with the fifty states. However,
the Commonwealth of Virginia and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts are.
--scott

*Commonwealths* - that's what I was thinking of, not territories.

[ChrisCoaster]

Post by Jeff

Post by gazzafield

Post by Adam H

Post by Ray O

Post by c***@yahoo.com
I have a 97 Camry XLE that I bought in 2000.
Unbeknownced to me (and the I believe also the dealer),
the car had been in an accident.
There had been a collision with the right front fender.
The Right front, passenger fender had been changed.
The car kept pulling to one side.
The Tires and passenger Lower Control Arm were changed.
The steering was much better. But not perfect.
To keep the car straight, I still have to turn the
steering wheel slightly to the right.
Since then, the right front wheel bearing has also been changed.
There was some play, and the tires became scalloped on
the edges. The tires made strange noises.
Here are the stats from the wheel alignment the last time I
bought tires. NOte the Caster on the right front. Just within
spec.

Hopefully, you had a 4 wheel alignment and not just a front wheel
alignment. To answer your question, the strut or strut mount may have
been bent in the accident, but it should show up when the alignment
is checked. Also check tire inflation pressure and the condition of
the tires themselves.

Fender? Tire? I thought this was a UK newsgroup?

We're the fifty first state of the USA. Did you not know this?!

Fifty-second. Canada is the fifty-first. And Mexico the fifty-third.
Same day, Peurto Rico may become a state.
Jeff- Hide quoted text -
- Show quoted text -

____________________
Iraq is the fifty-second state - right?


;)

[Jeff Strickland]

Post by gazzafield

Post by Adam H
Fender? Tire? I thought this was a UK newsgroup?

We're the fifty first state of the USA. Did you not know this?!

That view assumes we'de have you ...


PS
The OP crossposted to several groups, but all of them are automotive
according to their title. I don't get the beef ...

[hls]

"Adam H" <***@REMOVEntlworld.com> wrote in message
news:J3Uti.10523

Post by Adam H
Fender? Tire? I thought this was a UK newsgroup?

The problem arises because he has crossposted to just about everyone except
Osama.

I have no idea where the OP resides.

[sdlomi2]

Post by c***@yahoo.com
Dear Experts,
I have a 97 Camry XLE that I bought in 2000.
Unbeknownced to me (and the I believe also the dealer),
the car had been in an accident.
There had been a collision with the right front fender.
The Right front, passenger fender had been changed.
The car kept pulling to one side.
The Tires and passenger Lower Control Arm were changed.
The steering was much better. But not perfect.
To keep the car straight, I still have to turn the
steering wheel slightly to the right.
Since then, the right front wheel bearing has also been changed.
There was some play, and the tires became scalloped on
the edges. The tires made strange noises.
Here are the stats from the wheel alignment the last time I
bought tires. NOte the Caster on the right front. Just within
spec.
Actual Before Specified Range
Front Right
Camber: -1.3 -1.4 -1.4 to 0.1
Caster 1.4 1.4 1.4 to 2.9
Toe -0.02 0.04 -0.10 to 0.10
SAI 13.9 14.0 12.3 to 13.8
Included angle 12.7 12.7 11.0 to 14.0
Turning Angle Diff -- -- ---
Front Left
Camber: -1.0 -1.1 -1.4 to 0.1
Caster 2.5 2.5 1.4 to 2.9
Toe -0.06 -0.13 -0.10 to 0.10
SAI 14.2 14.4 12.3 to 13.8
Included angle 13.3 13.3 11.0 to 14.0
Turning Angle Diff -- -- ---
I'm wondering if the right front strut might also have been
bent in the accident. And if this could explain the
pull to the left (requiring steering to the right).
Does this make sense?
If not, does anyone else have any other explanations for
the pull to the left?
Thanks a lot

Try swapping front 2 tires & wheels. It may remove all the pulling and
still give good tire wear. Experienced symptoms & corrected it SEVERAL
times by doing so. Found the suggestion nearly unacceptable upon my 1st
experience--just after I had 4 new w-letter tires installed and front end
aligned (on a '72 Cutlass convertible) by same tire man who made the sug'n.
He made a believer out of me and I've seen that cure it numerous times
since. HTH, s

[Scott Dorsey]

Post by c***@yahoo.com
I have a 97 Camry XLE that I bought in 2000.
Unbeknownced to me (and the I believe also the dealer),
the car had been in an accident.
There had been a collision with the right front fender.
The Right front, passenger fender had been changed.
The car kept pulling to one side.
The Tires and passenger Lower Control Arm were changed.
The steering was much better. But not perfect.
To keep the car straight, I still have to turn the
steering wheel slightly to the right.

Take this car to a real alignment shop. Not some tire store with a kid
who puts the car on the machine and does whatever the printout tells him,
but a real alignment shop with people who actually have brains and can
understand what is going on.

Post by c***@yahoo.com
I'm wondering if the right front strut might also have been
bent in the accident. And if this could explain the
pull to the left (requiring steering to the right).
Does this make sense?

Yes, but there are other possibilities as well. A real alignment shop
can actually check the strut and frame in the car without having to tear
it down or start swapping parts randomly.

Maybe you have a strut issue. Maybe you just have a tire problem. Maybe
you have something much more severe. A real alignment specialist should
have no problem figuring it out and folks on the internet will only be able
to make vague guesses based on fragmentary information.
--scott

[Rob graham]

Post by c***@yahoo.com
Dear Experts,
I have a 97 Camry XLE that I bought in 2000.
Unbeknownced to me (and the I believe also the dealer),
the car had been in an accident.
There had been a collision with the right front fender.
The Right front, passenger fender had been changed.
The car kept pulling to one side.
The Tires and passenger Lower Control Arm were changed.
The steering was much better. But not perfect.
To keep the car straight, I still have to turn the
steering wheel slightly to the right.
Since then, the right front wheel bearing has also been changed.
There was some play, and the tires became scalloped on
the edges. The tires made strange noises.
Here are the stats from the wheel alignment the last time I
bought tires. NOte the Caster on the right front. Just within
spec.
Actual Before Specified Range
Front Right
Camber: -1.3 -1.4 -1.4 to 0.1
Caster 1.4 1.4 1.4 to 2.9
Toe -0.02 0.04 -0.10 to 0.10
SAI 13.9 14.0 12.3 to 13.8
Included angle 12.7 12.7 11.0 to 14.0
Turning Angle Diff -- -- ---
Front Left
Camber: -1.0 -1.1 -1.4 to 0.1
Caster 2.5 2.5 1.4 to 2.9
Toe -0.06 -0.13 -0.10 to 0.10
SAI 14.2 14.4 12.3 to 13.8
Included angle 13.3 13.3 11.0 to 14.0
Turning Angle Diff -- -- ---
I'm wondering if the right front strut might also have been
bent in the accident. And if this could explain the
pull to the left (requiring steering to the right).
Does this make sense?
If not, does anyone else have any other explanations for
the pull to the left?
Thanks a lot

I'm intrigued by the fact that you refer to the fender in question as the
right front passenger fender. In the UK we have right hand drive and so
passengers sit on the left of the driver. I have to assume, therefore, that
you are calling the fender 'right hand' because it's on the right when you
look at the car from the front. If I look at you from the front does that
mean that your left hand is actually your right hand? OTOH, are you posting
from the USA? If so, it would help to explain your use of the words fender
and tire.

Rob Graham

[Guy King]

Post by Rob graham
If so, it would help to explain your use of the words fender
and tire.

Fender's a sort of guitar, innit? Tire is what kids do to adults.

[adder1969]

Post by c***@yahoo.com
Dear Experts,
I have a 97 Camry XLE that I bought in 2000.
Unbeknownced to me (and the I believe also the dealer),
the car had been in an accident.
There had been a collision with the right front fender.
The Right front, passenger fender had been changed.
The car kept pulling to one side.

Take it to a laser jig alignment and get them to measure the bodywork/
chassis.

[John S.]

Post by c***@yahoo.com
Dear Experts,
I have a 97 Camry XLE that I bought in 2000.
Unbeknownced to me (and the I believe also the dealer),
the car had been in an accident.

Did the accident occur in 2000 when you bought the car? Or did it
occur recently?

Was the dealer repairing the car when the accident occured?

Post by c***@yahoo.com
There had been a collision with the right front fender.
The Right front, passenger fender had been changed.
The car kept pulling to one side.
The Tires and passenger Lower Control Arm were changed.
The steering was much better. But not perfect.

When were the repairs done and by whom.

Post by c***@yahoo.com
To keep the car straight, I still have to turn the
steering wheel slightly to the right.
Since then, the right front wheel bearing has also been changed.
There was some play, and the tires became scalloped on
the edges. The tires made strange noises.
Here are the stats from the wheel alignment the last time I
bought tires. NOte the Caster on the right front. Just within
spec.
Actual Before Specified Range
Front Right
Camber: -1.3 -1.4 -1.4 to 0.1
Caster 1.4 1.4 1.4 to 2.9
Toe -0.02 0.04 -0.10 to 0.10
SAI 13.9 14.0 12.3 to 13.8
Included angle 12.7 12.7 11.0 to 14.0
Turning Angle Diff -- -- ---
Front Left
Camber: -1.0 -1.1 -1.4 to 0.1
Caster 2.5 2.5 1.4 to 2.9
Toe -0.06 -0.13 -0.10 to 0.10
SAI 14.2 14.4 12.3 to 13.8
Included angle 13.3 13.3 11.0 to 14.0
Turning Angle Diff -- -- ---
I'm wondering if the right front strut might also have been
bent in the accident. And if this could explain the
pull to the left (requiring steering to the right).
Does this make sense?
If not, does anyone else have any other explanations for
the pull to the left?
Thanks a lot

[ChrisCoaster]

Post by c***@yahoo.com
Dear Experts,
I have a 97 Camry XLE that I bought in 2000.
Unbeknownced to me (and the I believe also the dealer),
the car had been in an accident.
There had been a collision with the right front fender.
The Right front, passenger fender had been changed.
The car kept pulling to one side.
The Tires and passenger Lower Control Arm were changed.
The steering was much better. But not perfect.
To keep the car straight, I still have to turn the
steering wheel slightly to the right.
Since then, the right front wheel bearing has also been changed.
There was some play, and the tires became scalloped on
the edges. The tires made strange noises.
Here are the stats from the wheel alignment the last time I
bought tires. NOte the Caster on the right front. Just within
spec.
Actual Before Specified Range
Front Right
Camber: -1.3 -1.4 -1.4 to 0.1
Caster 1.4 1.4 1.4 to 2.9
Toe -0.02 0.04 -0.10 to 0.10
SAI 13.9 14.0 12.3 to 13.8
Included angle 12.7 12.7 11.0 to 14.0
Turning Angle Diff -- -- ---
Front Left
Camber: -1.0 -1.1 -1.4 to 0.1
Caster 2.5 2.5 1.4 to 2.9
Toe -0.06 -0.13 -0.10 to 0.10
SAI 14.2 14.4 12.3 to 13.8
Included angle 13.3 13.3 11.0 to 14.0
Turning Angle Diff -- -- ---
I'm wondering if the right front strut might also have been
bent in the accident. And if this could explain the
pull to the left (requiring steering to the right).
Does this make sense?
If not, does anyone else have any other explanations for
the pull to the left?
Thanks a lot

_______________________________
Most of the suggestions here are on point(equal tire pressure all
around - make sure it's Toyota's recommended pressures NOT the number
on the tire, etc).

As for your specs above, your front left & right caster specs are a
degree off - that will translate to a pull in the direction of least
caster(btw you need to tell us is that caster negative or positive?)

Your camber(leaning effect of tire) is less negative on the front left
- it will pull to the least negative side, hence to your left.

Post alignment figures can be within spec but the car can still pull
to one side, for reason#1 - bent parts, reason #2, figures for left
and right are more than 1/2 degree different - resulting in pull, or
reason#3 - car manufacturer over-over-compensates for road crown in
designing the suspension, so no amount of adjustment can cure it!

**Bring a printout of my suggestion to the shop - if they are a good
shop they will already know this and adjust accordingly**.

I keep a pound less air in my right-hand tires because although my
align. specs are less than 1/2 degree left-right the car insists on
pulling left. It's a 2005 Malibu - no accidents, no hard hits, etc.
Go figyuh...

regards,

ChrisCoaster

[Neil - Usenet]

Post by ChrisCoaster

Post by c***@yahoo.com
Dear Experts,
I have a 97 Camry XLE that I bought in 2000.
Unbeknownced to me (and the I believe also the dealer),
the car had been in an accident.
There had been a collision with the right front fender.
The Right front, passenger fender had been changed.
The car kept pulling to one side.
The Tires and passenger Lower Control Arm were changed.
The steering was much better. But not perfect.
To keep the car straight, I still have to turn the
steering wheel slightly to the right.
Since then, the right front wheel bearing has also been changed.
There was some play, and the tires became scalloped on
the edges. The tires made strange noises.
Here are the stats from the wheel alignment the last time I
bought tires. NOte the Caster on the right front. Just within
spec.
Actual Before Specified Range
Front Right
Camber: -1.3 -1.4 -1.4 to 0.1
Caster 1.4 1.4 1.4 to 2.9
Toe -0.02 0.04 -0.10 to 0.10
SAI 13.9 14.0 12.3 to 13.8
Included angle 12.7 12.7 11.0 to 14.0
Turning Angle Diff -- -- ---
Front Left
Camber: -1.0 -1.1 -1.4 to 0.1
Caster 2.5 2.5 1.4 to 2.9
Toe -0.06 -0.13 -0.10 to 0.10
SAI 14.2 14.4 12.3 to 13.8
Included angle 13.3 13.3 11.0 to 14.0
Turning Angle Diff -- -- ---
I'm wondering if the right front strut might also have been
bent in the accident. And if this could explain the
pull to the left (requiring steering to the right).
Does this make sense?
If not, does anyone else have any other explanations for
the pull to the left?
Thanks a lot

_______________________________
Most of the suggestions here are on point(equal tire pressure all
around - make sure it's Toyota's recommended pressures NOT the number
on the tire, etc).
As for your specs above, your front left & right caster specs are a
degree off - that will translate to a pull in the direction of least
caster(btw you need to tell us is that caster negative or positive?)
Your camber(leaning effect of tire) is less negative on the front left
- it will pull to the least negative side, hence to your left.
Post alignment figures can be within spec but the car can still pull
to one side, for reason#1 - bent parts, reason #2, figures for left
and right are more than 1/2 degree different - resulting in pull, or
reason#3 - car manufacturer over-over-compensates for road crown in
designing the suspension, so no amount of adjustment can cure it!
**Bring a printout of my suggestion to the shop - if they are a good
shop they will already know this and adjust accordingly**.
I keep a pound less air in my right-hand tires because although my
align. specs are less than 1/2 degree left-right the car insists on
pulling left. It's a 2005 Malibu - no accidents, no hard hits, etc.
Go figyuh...
regards,
ChrisCoaster

I find that too in your last, in my 2 cars, 88 polo/54c2. but it stops when
i overtake.
I think is just the camber on the road for drains etc.

[ChrisCoaster]

Post by Neil - Usenet

Post by ChrisCoaster

Post by c***@yahoo.com
Dear Experts,
I have a 97 Camry XLE that I bought in 2000.
Unbeknownced to me (and the I believe also the dealer),
the car had been in an accident.
There had been a collision with the right front fender.
The Right front, passenger fender had been changed.
The car kept pulling to one side.
The Tires and passenger Lower Control Arm were changed.
The steering was much better. But not perfect.
To keep the car straight, I still have to turn the
steering wheel slightly to the right.
Since then, the right front wheel bearing has also been changed.
There was some play, and the tires became scalloped on
the edges. The tires made strange noises.
Here are the stats from the wheel alignment the last time I
bought tires. NOte the Caster on the right front. Just within
spec.
Actual Before Specified Range
Front Right
Camber: -1.3 -1.4 -1.4 to 0.1
Caster 1.4 1.4 1.4 to 2.9
Toe -0.02 0.04 -0.10 to 0.10
SAI 13.9 14.0 12.3 to 13.8
Included angle 12.7 12.7 11.0 to 14.0
Turning Angle Diff -- -- ---
Front Left
Camber: -1.0 -1.1 -1.4 to 0.1
Caster 2.5 2.5 1.4 to 2.9
Toe -0.06 -0.13 -0.10 to 0.10
SAI 14.2 14.4 12.3 to 13.8
Included angle 13.3 13.3 11.0 to 14.0
Turning Angle Diff -- -- ---
I'm wondering if the right front strut might also have been
bent in the accident. And if this could explain the
pull to the left (requiring steering to the right).
Does this make sense?
If not, does anyone else have any other explanations for
the pull to the left?
Thanks a lot

_______________________________
Most of the suggestions here are on point(equal tire pressure all
around - make sure it's Toyota's recommended pressures NOT the number
on the tire, etc).
As for your specs above, your front left & right caster specs are a
degree off - that will translate to a pull in the direction of least
caster(btw you need to tell us is that caster negative or positive?)
Your camber(leaning effect of tire) is less negative on the front left
- it will pull to the least negative side, hence to your left.
Post alignment figures can be within spec but the car can still pull
to one side, for reason#1 - bent parts, reason #2, figures for left
and right are more than 1/2 degree different - resulting in pull, or
reason#3 - car manufacturer over-over-compensates for road crown in
designing the suspension, so no amount of adjustment can cure it!
**Bring a printout of my suggestion to the shop - if they are a good
shop they will already know this and adjust accordingly**.
I keep a pound less air in my right-hand tires because although my
align. specs are less than 1/2 degree left-right the car insists on
pulling left. It's a 2005 Malibu - no accidents, no hard hits, etc.
Go figyuh...
regards,
ChrisCoaster

I find that too in your last, in my 2 cars, 88 polo/54c2. but it stops when
i overtake.
I think is just the camber on the road for drains etc.- Hide quoted text -
- Show quoted text -

______________
Well like I said, the roads here up in CT have almost no camber/crown
unless you kneel down to the sidewalk and gaze across the street.
Down the Jersey shore - now that's a different story!

I'm not talking torque-steer here, just ordinary coasting and keeping
speed. I hate having to force the steering wheel to one or two
o'clock just to go straight.

-CC

[Jeff Strickland]

Post by c***@yahoo.com
Dear Experts,
I have a 97 Camry XLE that I bought in 2000.
Unbeknownced to me (and the I believe also the dealer),
the car had been in an accident.
There had been a collision with the right front fender.
The Right front, passenger fender had been changed.
The car kept pulling to one side.
The Tires and passenger Lower Control Arm were changed.
The steering was much better. But not perfect.
To keep the car straight, I still have to turn the
steering wheel slightly to the right.
Since then, the right front wheel bearing has also been changed.
There was some play, and the tires became scalloped on
the edges. The tires made strange noises.
Here are the stats from the wheel alignment the last time I
bought tires. NOte the Caster on the right front. Just within
spec.
Actual Before Specified Range
Front Right
Camber: -1.3 -1.4 -1.4 to 0.1
Caster 1.4 1.4 1.4 to 2.9
Toe -0.02 0.04 -0.10 to 0.10
SAI 13.9 14.0 12.3 to 13.8
Included angle 12.7 12.7 11.0 to 14.0
Turning Angle Diff -- -- ---
Front Left
Camber: -1.0 -1.1 -1.4 to 0.1
Caster 2.5 2.5 1.4 to 2.9
Toe -0.06 -0.13 -0.10 to 0.10
SAI 14.2 14.4 12.3 to 13.8
Included angle 13.3 13.3 11.0 to 14.0
Turning Angle Diff -- -- ---
I'm wondering if the right front strut might also have been
bent in the accident. And if this could explain the
pull to the left (requiring steering to the right).
Does this make sense?
If not, does anyone else have any other explanations for
the pull to the left?
Thanks a lot

I hate to be the buzz kill here, but you need to consider the possibility
that the front and rear are not in alignment with one another, and/or that
the entire engine/transaxle assembly have been knocked out of place.

You said the fender had been replaced, but you did not tell us why -- how
much damage was being repaired. If a shopping car slammed the fender and
bent it, then the underlaying frame is probably okay. But if the car was hit
by another car, then the entire front end could easily be pushed aside, and
you are going to be faced with a lifetime of a car that will not drive
straight.

Ray O suggested a four-wheel alignment, I agree with him on this point. A
lesser alignment will look at the two front tires in relation with each
other, but the front tires can be okay to each other while they screwed up
relative to the rest of the car. You need a four-wheel alignment before you
can make any honest assessment of the damage.

Any number of suspension and frame components could have been damaged, and
there is no way to tell you what the trouble is from here.

[Tunku]

Post by c***@yahoo.com
To keep the car straight, I still have to turn the
steering wheel slightly to the right.

Swap the front wheels with the back ones and see if that makes a
difference. The other thing to look out for is the bushes in the front
strut. If they are worn the strut can swivel a bit, putting out the
tracking.

[ChrisCoaster]

Post by Tunku

Post by c***@yahoo.com
To keep the car straight, I still have to turn the
steering wheel slightly to the right.

Swap the front wheels with the back ones and see if that makes a
difference. The other thing to look out for is the bushes in the front
strut. If they are worn the strut can swivel a bit, putting out the
tracking.
--
Tunku
"Caution : traces of irony and other metallic objects may be present in the
above post"

You mean swap the front wheels left to right. - swapping them front to
back won't accomplish anything.

[Tunku]

Post by ChrisCoaster
You mean swap the front wheels left to right. - swapping them front to
back won't accomplish anything.

And why not?

[ChrisCoaster]

Post by Tunku

Post by ChrisCoaster
You mean swap the front wheels left to right. - swapping them front to
back won't accomplish anything.

And why not?
--
Tunku
"Caution : traces of irony and other metallic objects may be present in the
above post"

_________________
Tires vary slightly from their specified diameter and shape - albeit
by fractions of a millimeter- even consecutive copies of the same
model coming off the assembly. A tire may even be cone-shaped - that
is, its inside shoulder circumference(the side you don't see) may be
greater than its outside shoulder circumference. This will cause the
tire to pull in the direction of lesser circumference.

Keeping the tire on the same side of the car will not correct pull
related to conicity(cone shaped properties).

-CC

[Alan]

If it has been like this for 7 years it can't be too serious so is it
worth doing anything at all?

Alan

[ThePunisher]

Post by Alan
If it has been like this for 7 years it can't be too serious so is it
worth doing anything at all?
Alan

Exactly, if he changes things now he'll be back later saying it fells funny
to drive.

[c***@yahoo.com]

Hi all,

Thanks for responding. To clarify some things.

- tires have been switched, changed, pressure checked, etc.
Issue is not the tires. Especially when they were brand new.

- I didn't put the rear wheel alignments in, because
they are all within the spec. The alignment jocks
have told me that the problem is in the front.

- the alignments have been expert 4 wheel aligments.
Alignments have been done at Toyota which had a really expensive
laser alignment system, at Sears when I got the tires,
and at the best alignment jock I could find.

- multiple mechanics have not seen any issues with the body
or frame.



Questions:

- Car had been in accident. There are new tires, lower control arm
and wheel bearing. Expert four wheel alignment done. Body
and
frame
look fine.


There is some concurrence that it could be a bent strut.

But one says it could be many things. As far as damaged/new
parts are concerned, if it is not any of the above, and not the
strut, what other realistic possibilities are left?

Post by adder1969
Take it to a laser jig alignment and get them to measure the

bodywork/chassis.

- what kind of shop has the laser jig? What do I
look up in the yellow pages of the telephone book?
Automotive - Alignment. A special machine shop?


Thanks a lot

[Ray O]

Post by c***@yahoo.com
Hi all,
Thanks for responding. To clarify some things.
- tires have been switched, changed, pressure checked, etc.
Issue is not the tires. Especially when they were brand new.
- I didn't put the rear wheel alignments in, because
they are all within the spec. The alignment jocks
have told me that the problem is in the front.
- the alignments have been expert 4 wheel aligments.
Alignments have been done at Toyota which had a really expensive
laser alignment system, at Sears when I got the tires,
and at the best alignment jock I could find.
- multiple mechanics have not seen any issues with the body
or frame.
- Car had been in accident. There are new tires, lower control arm
and wheel bearing. Expert four wheel alignment done. Body
and
frame
look fine.
There is some concurrence that it could be a bent strut.
But one says it could be many things. As far as damaged/new
parts are concerned, if it is not any of the above, and not the
strut, what other realistic possibilities are left?

If it is none of the above, then the chassis is probably bent.

Post by c***@yahoo.com

Post by adder1969
Take it to a laser jig alignment and get them to measure the

bodywork/chassis.
- what kind of shop has the laser jig? What do I
look up in the yellow pages of the telephone book?
Automotive - Alignment. A special machine shop?
Thanks a lot

A good body shop will have a laser chassis alignment machine.

[Stubby]

I spent a year chasing a pull to one side. In the end a competent shop
found a U-joint sort of thing in the steering that was damaged.

Post by Ray O

Post by c***@yahoo.com
Hi all,
Thanks for responding. To clarify some things.
- tires have been switched, changed, pressure checked, etc.
Issue is not the tires. Especially when they were brand new.
- I didn't put the rear wheel alignments in, because
they are all within the spec. The alignment jocks
have told me that the problem is in the front.
- the alignments have been expert 4 wheel aligments.
Alignments have been done at Toyota which had a really expensive
laser alignment system, at Sears when I got the tires,
and at the best alignment jock I could find.
- multiple mechanics have not seen any issues with the body
or frame.
- Car had been in accident. There are new tires, lower control arm
and wheel bearing. Expert four wheel alignment done. Body
and
frame
look fine.
There is some concurrence that it could be a bent strut.
But one says it could be many things. As far as damaged/new
parts are concerned, if it is not any of the above, and not the
strut, what other realistic possibilities are left?

If it is none of the above, then the chassis is probably bent.

Post by c***@yahoo.com

Post by adder1969
Take it to a laser jig alignment and get them to measure the

bodywork/chassis.
- what kind of shop has the laser jig? What do I
look up in the yellow pages of the telephone book?
Automotive - Alignment. A special machine shop?
Thanks a lot

A good body shop will have a laser chassis alignment machine.
--
Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)