is this front end alignment or something else, cant figure it out!!!!?

Question

I drive a 96 Honda Accord and lately it has been pulling really sharply to the right when i let go of the wheel. I took it to firestone for a front end alignment and they said ti wasnt that at all. They said my left rear tire was "tilted" but that they didnt see any parts broke, gone, or worn. I cant tell thats is tilted at all.Im very confused we r taking it to a mechanic tomorrow but i just wanted some thoughts/opinions. THANKS!!!

thank you all so much. i called my mechanic today and he said it is probably the wheel rod or (and he said somethign else but i cant remember) im bringing it there today! ill post what it is!

so i took my car to the mechanic and the tire was a different size than the others and was causing it to pull. they gave me 2 new tires and rotated them as well as a 4 wheel alignment.

Answer 1

Going to Firestone for ANYTHING besides air or water is a very risky thing to do.

Take the car to a Honda specialist or Honda dealer. At least your odds of getting it fixed right are better than 50%.

Answer 2

There are only two things that will cause a pull. It is either power steering or alignment. Most likely it will be the alignment. If a tire is 'tilted' then the rear alignment is off (not that this would normally cause a pull). Honestly the front toe is off a bit which caused the tires to wear, thus causing the tire pull. Either way, if the rear wheel is in fact tilted, it needs to be corrected. A good mechanic should be able to diagnosis any bent parts or correct wheel 'tilt' so that it is well within specs. Anyhow, good luck.

Answer 3

Any wheel that is out of alignment or boogered up will throw your steering off or cause a pull.

The odd thing on some of the Hondas and Toyotas is a chicken wing or wishbone shaped "control arm" if you can call it that, on the rear wheels. There is a sealed joint, like a ball joint, that can't be lubricated and when it rusts through or fails the wheel will fall against this piece and lock the wheel or blow the tire.

Before this happens you may have some noticeable wheel lean or hear a bothersome clunking but not always.

Let them know if you have run over anything or hit anything or any other related problem, like an old accident, so they will know to look for any damage.

Good Luck!

Answer 4

Any front wheel drive vehicle requires 4 wheel alignment. Sounds stupid but 1st check tire pressure to make sure they are all at 32-35 psi. Then if still pulling to right it is an alignment problem, But remember cars are purposely made to pull to the right a little anyway. Safety feature,,if you fall asleep car will go into ditch instead of oncomming traffic.

Answer 5

"This is something I'd like you and every one to think hard about ""DON'T GO TO FIRESTONE!!"" I see so many problems here that come from people that went to "Firestone".

Take your car to a good shop, maybe a Frame shop to start the full checking process, and with that car you want a "4 Wheel Alignment". Honda is Best but the cost may be higher.

Answer 6

take it to a Honda dealership garage . they would know your car better than anyone. also have all 4 tires checked. don't forget to rotate your tires every so many miles.i was told about the rotation from a tire salesman. when you have the tires rotated it provides for a better more even wear. i hope this info helps.

Answer 7

have you had any minor accidents? even a colission with the curb? might still be alignment and firestone was being stupid or you could have a bent frame. Defnitely get it checked out, that could be dangerous and not to mention it'll wear out your tires

Answer 8

It may just be a tire. Rotate your tires and then come back and tell us what happened. It's pretty much free to move your tires around, and you can actually eliminate or confirm that one factor.

Answer 9

get your rear wheel aligned

Answer 10

Maybe a sticky brake caliper?