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Dumb Car Mechanics Question

MFI
My sons car is pulling to the right when it drives , its front wheel drive if that matters. If I have the tires rotated will that fix the problem ? Do I have to spring for a $50.00 wheel alignment ? Hope thsi isnt too dumb of a question ..[8)]
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9 comments

Date Votes
  • nord
    It depends...

    If the car has had no history of pulling, then a broken tire belt is possible. Rotating tires will usually result in a pull to the opposite side. So... A good first move as it costs nothing.

    Then there is the chance of a bad tie rod or other steering component. Or simply an alignment.

    Swap tires around first.
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  • rja72
    Did you ask him what he ran over?
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  • hissinggoose
    Check the air pressure first. May be something as simple as that, especially if it's a small rim/tire. If pressure is spec, then check for the broken belt/alignment issues.
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  • select-fire
    string it .. take a string and check the distance from the inside of the tire to the other tire. mark the string with a marker and then Do the same on the rear of the tire to the other tire. Should be pretty close. If not, he ran over something..like a curb to knock it out of alignment. My guess is low air pressure or bad tire. Put the spare on and take it for a spin.
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  • Tailgunner1954
    Tire pressure
    Sticking brake caliper
    Different size tires (front or rear) on opposite sides of the car
    Wheel bearings
    Worn steering components
    Tight steering joints (Jeep CJ-5's used to be famous for having a "tight ball joint" induced pull)
    Bent steering/suspension components
    Bad rack & pinion
    Weak or broken spring
    Rusted out shock tower (esp with McPherson struts).

    That ought to get you started.
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  • MFI
    Its a 03 Hyundai Tiburon .. Im ok with general mechanics.. the tires look ok and he said after I had the tires rotated before it pulled to the right. I have drove it several times and I notice it too. Im trying to trouble shoo tand fix this myself before we take it in to the shop and they try to get me for $200 for a broken this and an alignment .. LOL
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  • Colt Super
    You can take it to a tire store or dealership, and they will troubleshoot it for free while preparing a repair estimate.

    Doug
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  • MFI
    I did that with my Dodge pickup and they told me the bill would be $1800 to fix so I said OK maybe in a few weeks we wil have it fixed. They then said it will be $40.00 for the service of checking your vehicle .. Is that right ?
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  • yoshmyster
    Sounds like it needs the toes in or out. It could be the tie rods, too. Basically the front end needs to be tweaked.
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