My 87 300TD had a strage wandering problem, as far as i know nothing had recently been done to the front end or suspention(only had the car for 2 weeks).

Used the search and found a simple fix to try.

Jack up the front end so that both wheels have no weight on them then put the key in the ignition and release the stearing lock.
Grab the tire and try to make the steering wheel move. You should be able to move it without to much trouble. If you can't move it you have a dry ball joint.

Look for the ball joint that has some rust around the clip, this will be the worst one. Both of mine where try. Pry the clip from the bottom of the ball joint and spray your favorite lube in.

My problem went away after lubing both joints. The ball joints will soon need replacing unless i can get a grease fitting in the bottom, i'll try that tomorrow maybe.

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82 Rabbit diesel (first d), 84 Jetta turbo d (300k when sold), 83 240d (305k when sold), 84 F250 6.9d w/Banks turbo(parts truck), 86 F250 6 cyl.gasser(waiting for 6.9d), 84 300d ( 347k Sold 8/04), Y2k New Bettle TDI (185k miles), 95 740IL (wifes), 87 300TD (206k Sold 7/05), 05 Passat TDI Wagon

I'd replace them, just putting a grease fitting in will not fix the wear from getting dry and rusty.

Peter

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1972 220D ?? miles
1988 300E 200,012
1987 300D Turbo killed 9/25/07, 275,000 miles
1985 Volvo 740 GLE Turobodiesel 218,000
1972 280 SE 4.5 165, 000 - It runs!

Peter, is 100 percent correct as usual,you wont belive the differense replaceing worn suppension parts and a good alinement makes on these wonderful driving cars. I would have the whole front end checked for safties sake as well as driving pleasure.........

William Rogers........

Good time to check toe in/toe out settings...

If the front tires/wheels are toe out [at all] they can cause strange wandering... especialy at speed...

Faulty front tires can cause a strange drifting sensation also...

Good luck.