How to Fix a Squirrelly Front End?
Ever since I bought my 2001 Ford E350 chassis class C, the RV has pulled to one side or the other when I brake. I've had the brakes redone. New brake disks put on. Tested out everything brake related....
Forum Discussion
Did you pay for 3 different alignments? Asking because did the first 2 shops come out and tell you they could not perform the alignment until you repair some parts? Was it a lazer alignment or a dude with a tape measure?
From what you decribe its probably a combo of many worn parts. Most likely the ball joints and tie rod ends. Would explain why the 3rd shop needed to adjust a component so far. With a ball joint warn out it effects your camber.
Ive done my own alignment at home. So i know a wee bit about it. Only reason i dont take to a shop is because im cheap and have the skills to get camber and tow in close enough for my older pickup.
Some of this might not make sense. If your trailer was parked here i would jack up the front end and start shaking parts. Get the front wheel 1 or 2 inches off the ground and then stick a crowbar under the tire. Shake the tire up and down to prove there is play in the ball joints. Then shake it side to side to find play in the steering.
Another thing to consider is you cant rule out your brakes. Just because you installed new rotors and pads doesnt mean the fluid and lines are clean. Did they replace the calipers as well? Maybe your front left caliper likes to stick. Makes your truck pull left sometimes.
The simple answer to your question is that the big metal pieces that hold your wheels in place, and make the wheels turn side to side, have worn out and developed play. Those parts can move around and settle in different spots. Thats why sometimes it pulls left, sometimes right. Depends where those loose parts have settled.
From what you decribe its probably a combo of many worn parts. Most likely the ball joints and tie rod ends. Would explain why the 3rd shop needed to adjust a component so far. With a ball joint warn out it effects your camber.
Ive done my own alignment at home. So i know a wee bit about it. Only reason i dont take to a shop is because im cheap and have the skills to get camber and tow in close enough for my older pickup.
Some of this might not make sense. If your trailer was parked here i would jack up the front end and start shaking parts. Get the front wheel 1 or 2 inches off the ground and then stick a crowbar under the tire. Shake the tire up and down to prove there is play in the ball joints. Then shake it side to side to find play in the steering.
Another thing to consider is you cant rule out your brakes. Just because you installed new rotors and pads doesnt mean the fluid and lines are clean. Did they replace the calipers as well? Maybe your front left caliper likes to stick. Makes your truck pull left sometimes.
The simple answer to your question is that the big metal pieces that hold your wheels in place, and make the wheels turn side to side, have worn out and developed play. Those parts can move around and settle in different spots. Thats why sometimes it pulls left, sometimes right. Depends where those loose parts have settled.
