Problem with steering
Problem with steering I am having some problems with the steering (among other things) of my 2000 Firebird Formula. At first, there was really bad play in the steering, it was very unstable to drive on the highway. I took it to the dealer, and they said that it was a broken tie rod end, so they fixed it (I hope) and did an alignment. The steering was a little better, but still feels unstable at higher speeds. I don't know how to describe it, the steering wheel feels like it always wants to move, and it doesn't want to find a place to rest since it feels so loose, even when I am going dead straight. Also, and this might be normal, I don't know, but when I stop, my steering wheel pulls pretty hard to one direction or the other (never seems to be the same direction). Any ideas on what could cause these before I go in and bitch at the dealer? Thanks.
Mike
Mike
TECH Regular
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 476
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From: Pleasanton, CA
My car is doing the samething. Im not sure whats wrong with it either. It is in the shop right now getting some work done because i had a small accident in it and went off of the road. The front end hit the ground pretty hard. So I am also wondering what the problem can be.
Originally Posted by blenkush
I have a similar problem with steering though not as bad. Did you guys ever figure it out?
Well, it seems that the first dealer that I took it to wasn't too good at aligning (
) and did a crappy job (or no job at all) on the alignment. I took it to another place for a second opinion, and they said that the alignment was waay off so they fixed it. It is now perfect. So have them check the alignment and also check for tie rod damage or wear. Hope this helps. 
TECH Enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 554
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From: NY
Alignment is important to handling and tire wear.
I always go to a reputable alignment shop by word of mouth and a specaility one..
Hence no wonder why I take the 30-40 min drive to the good one who knows alignment stuff real good and do quailty work for a resonable price instead of the damn local Mavis tire shop who has idiots working installing tires and don't know much about alignment other than put the crap on the wheels and look at manuals while scratching their heads trying to figure out how to do it, then in the end they charge me $130 for a questionable work compared to $80 for the reputable and proven work.
I always go to a reputable alignment shop by word of mouth and a specaility one..
Hence no wonder why I take the 30-40 min drive to the good one who knows alignment stuff real good and do quailty work for a resonable price instead of the damn local Mavis tire shop who has idiots working installing tires and don't know much about alignment other than put the crap on the wheels and look at manuals while scratching their heads trying to figure out how to do it, then in the end they charge me $130 for a questionable work compared to $80 for the reputable and proven work.
