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Old 11-10-2008, 01:31 PM
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cscmc1 cscmc1 is offline
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Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Central IL
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Number_Cruncher View Post
For the OP, I would jack the car up, and temporarily disconnect the inner track rod ends. Then, try to swivel the wheels by hand - if, for example, you have a ball joint which is seizing up, this could hinder self centreing action. By disconnecting the inner, you can also assess the friction levels in the outer track rod ends using a similar method.
Dumb question, but -- how "freely" should the ball joints move? I did a little tinkering over the weekend and found that the wheels will swivel, but not terribly easily. I know "not terribly easily" isn't a very specific term, but I'm not sure how else to put it. The wheel was off the hub, and I was able to swivel it with some effort by just grasping the rotor. I would think that the car ought to be able to overcome that in order to self-center, no?

I did discover that one tie rod end has a torn boot, so the exercise was not in vain. I have something to replace!
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