03Mach69Mach

My 1988 5.0 LX Convertible has suddenly developed an issue that appears to be alignment. I need some suggestions about if it is simply an alignment issue or another problem. The car (without impact to the wheel or tire) suddenly is pulling to the left and the steering wheel is off center. Significant wear to the drivers side front tire (outside tread). Could this be a bad tie rod or is this a condition that is seen with lower front control arm (ball joint) failure. I have not had it to an alignment shop, but have measured toe and it appears to be out on the front tire edge by 1/2". Car has alot of miles (190,000) and the control arms/ball joints appear original. Replaced springs with Ford Racing 2 years ago. I have not been able (due to weather) get the car jacked up to view either tie rod or control arm/ball joint.

Any suggestions what it might be?

PRO50SC

It could be any of the suspension parts. Instead of speculating, take it in and have it checked. Guessing just costs you more money in the long run. Do it right, do it once!!

mjr46

you need to have the ball joints and tie rods all checked and tires just don't wear off from one dat to the next...at this point due to the excessive tread wear difference you may have a radial pull based on suspension parts worn or alignment issues..take it to a shop and have it looked at ftw!!!

Dave5point0

Have it checked out, and with that many miles you may want to replace a bunch of parts anyways. I replaced my inner and outer tierod ends, ball joints, wheel bearings, and shocks. Just to get the front end feeling better and with my little hookup at advance auto parts it was all cheap as hell and i feel better knowing that its all new. If your going to have it apart to replace 1 thing, you might as well do a little preventative maintainence so that you're not taking it all apart again in a couple weeks to replace something else, just my 2cents.

03Mach69Mach

Yeah, I forgot to say that I did replace the struts at the same time as the springs. I am planning on taking it to get it aligned, however just wanted to know if control arm/ ball joint issues will give you this type of condition. I don't like to just give my ride over to someone and let them tell me what it wrong with the bill to fix it. Don't really like the idea of paying for the alignment twice (once to dx the problem and once after replacement of some parts).

Anyone with control arm/ ball joint issues ever seen this type of problem?

mjr46

if you know how to check for worn suspension parts then you'll be fine but if not..best let a alignment/tire place do it and they should be able to find the problem

fourfivefour

When you modify your suspension or change parts you need to have your front end aligned.
Whenyou install lowering/performance springs it will throwthe alignmentway out of whack.
Not every strut is made exactly the same also requiring an alignment after changing them.

Streetracer911

check your brake calipers to see if the one is sticking. If the one side is sticking it will cause the car to pull that way[8D]

aode08

have a friend or relative turn your steering wheel left to right , car off while you find whats loose.