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Ivylog's avatar
Ivylog
Explorer III
Aug 30, 2016

After years of going straight my DP is going straight again.

After 12 years and 70K miles of rock solid handling my 04 Dynasty is wanting to go to the right. In the past I could let go of the steering wheel for 15+ seconds without changing lanes but now I'd be in the ditch. It still handles well... does not wander but it takes 15 degrees of a turn to the left to go straight requiring a fair amount of pressure on the steering wheel. This has been going on for the last 2500 miles from GA to WY on interstates and non.
Nothing has changed: Same tires for three years, same pressures, have not hit anything, no signs of abnormal tread wear. It's not the crown of a two lane road as even if I put it in the wrong lane, it ends up where it belongs and headed for the ditch. A strong cross wind from the right side helps to get it back to going straight.
The toe in has not changed... still a little less than 1/8th inch and it's not a wandering issue or a political statement... I'm stumped.
*PS: It's not a brake dragging issue as I run TPMS and still temp my tires/brakes/wheel bearings atleast once a day.

PSS: rotating the front tires solved the problem.
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  • rgatijnet1's avatar
    rgatijnet1
    Explorer III
    Aug 30, 2016
    Checking the tag axle in relation to the rear axle does not really show the relation ship between them and the front axle. That takes a well equipped shop to check that everything is in align with the exact center line of the vehicle.
    I assume that you have jacked up the wheels to see if there are any brake dragging issues or to check if you have a loose front wheel bearing.
  • Ivylog's avatar
    Ivylog
    Explorer III
    Aug 30, 2016
    The loading has not changed and my side to side weights are within 200 lbs of each other and are opposite to each axle. I run 5 psi over what the load tables call for as I'll still travel with a really strong cross wind... in fact this past week I had 93 degrees on one side and 118 on the other because of a good cross wind.

    The only easy measurement while on the road for the rear axle is it's relation to the tag tires which are identical on each side. DW helped me check the toe in... less than 1/8th inch and it's not a wandering issue.
  • Naio's avatar
    Naio
    Explorer II
    Aug 30, 2016
    If only it were so simple a fix when the same thing happens to humans!
  • rgatijnet1's avatar
    rgatijnet1
    Explorer III
    Aug 30, 2016
    Mr.Mark has it right. If nothing has changed in the front end, you need to look at the alignment of the rear axle in relation to the front axle.
    The only other thing that I could think of would be a change in the loading with more weight being put on the right side. A simple four corner weight will tell you if that is the problem.
  • Ava's avatar
    Ava
    Explorer
    Aug 30, 2016
    The rear axle on most newer frames have an adjustable arms that can tweek the rear axle angle if needed. This can cause steering issues if not aligned properly.
  • johnhicks's avatar
    johnhicks
    Explorer
    Aug 30, 2016
    My rig started doing the same after I traveled through Louisiana. I don't think it was one slam that knocked the alignment out but constant pounding. In your case the rear axle may have moved.

    Wingfoot (Goodyear commercial tire shop) fixed me right up.
  • Mr_Mark1's avatar
    Mr_Mark1
    Explorer
    Aug 30, 2016
    Mr. Ivylog,

    Obviously something has changed. I wonder if the shocks are needing replacement.

    You might be due for a good three axle alignment. The best one I ever received was at TAFA (Tire, Axle, Frame and Alignment) in Nashville, TN. This is their speciality.

    On our Dynasty, they had to add a plate to the front-end to give a PERFECT alignment. The coach drove straighter than ever for the remainder of ownership. I would highly recommend them if you can get to Nashville from Georgia.

    MM.

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