Interesting front end "drift" problem

I've noticed a weird feeling in my front end. For starters, after an alignment, I was a bit frustrated because when tracking straight, the steering wheel was off...maybe 1 or 2 o'clock. Then at some point in the next few days I realized it was now straight. Then at some point, I realized that if I'm driving, and I jerk the wheel a little bit one way or the other, the wheel will go from being 1/2 o'clock, to 12 o'clock while driving straight.

I've also noticed that when I hid a good sized bump, like a railroad crossing or something, it feels like the trucks "drifts" a little for about a second. It's weird, almost like the steering wheel is "free". Only for a brief moment. Nothing that makes me lose control or anything, just enough to shift in the lane a bit.

Any idea what could be causing this? I have a aftermarket skidplate that's a PITA to remove, so I want to have a good idea of what I'm looking for before I pull it, aside from just checking for loose bolts and whatnot.

 

When you took it back to the alignment shop what did they say?

 

Did this occur before the alignment as well or start after it?

 

I never took it back. I wasn't very happy with the alignment they did anyways. It drives straight, they just didn't listen to what I asked regarding the caster.

After. I should note a number of parts were also replaced at that time. Rack & Pinion, tie rods/ends, whiteline LCA bushings and poly rack bushings..

 

I think you answered your own question. The tire shop has messed up.

 

Would a low caster number make it behave that way? I can machine and build an engine, but front ends and alignments are a world of magical mystery to me, lol

 

I had a weird drift/dead spot in the center of my steering at highway speeds after lifting. JBA UCAs with built in caster corrected it.

 

Sounds like a thorough inspection under there is necessary. Possibly something is loose.

 

My opinion, caster would not make the steering wheel change position. That's something in the steering components that's loose.

 

Mine is also lifted. Dobinson's springs/shocks, and JBA UCA's.

 

Agreed. I'll just have to pull the skid plate and start grabbin and pryin', lol

 

Did you replace with OEM rack and pinion?

 

Yup. Maybe even have someone else turn the steering wheel back and forth, while you inspect everything.

 

Not OEM, but NAPA brand. I read good things about them.

 

From what I've read on TW, anything other than OEM is a risk when it comes to rack and pinion. Hope it's not a dud!

 

Yes, do this.
I’d be looking specifically at the rack mounting bolts and bushings.

When the bushings go bad this is one of the symptoms.
I know you said the rack was new. Maybe they didn’t get the bolts tight?
Those bolts are known to put up a fight when replacing the rack.
Hopefully they put them back it from the top.
Some guys put them back in from the bottom. Kind of risky if you ask me.

 

I put the rack in. I did put them in from the bottom. I was willing to risk it, only because the SOS skidplate sits pretty close to the bolt heads, so there's no way for them to fall out.

Perhaps they did loosen up. I'll just have to yank the skid this weekend and check everything.

 

Napa stores are independently owned and may carry different brands from a Napa warehouse. I prefer Napa to corporate owned stores. They usually have more experienced help.

But if your steering wheel is changing positions your rack is bad. It is skipping teeth inside so that the truck tracks differently every time it changes. Any kind of unusual pressures against the tires may change where the steering wheel position is in relation to direction of travel. You need a new rack. It can be dangerous. Are you sure they replaced the rack? Why did you change the rack to begin with?

Edit: I see you replaced the rack yourself? You've still got a bad rack.

 

Old rack was pouring fluid out. Is there any definite way of testing this?

 

moving that far there is slop somewhere or a combination of slop. I had a wandering center recently (and a knock) and it ended up being the slider bushing needed to be adjusted just a bit to put more tension on the rack and pinion gear mesh.