Honda Accord (1990 - 2002) Includes 1997 - 1999 Acura CL

Steering wheel pull, suspension issue ?

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Old Dec 20, 2007 | 07:25 AM
  #1  
The Bster's Avatar
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From: Midlothian, Va, USA
Default Steering wheel pull, suspension issue ?

My 94 Accord Ex sedan w/ 180K miles pulls to the right when I am on the gas, and when I take my hands off of the steering wheel, it slightly shakes back and forth, esp. when I hit bumps in the road? This occurs at all speeds and the car seems loose/squirrely at higher speeds.
My axles, rotors, tires, struts, and alignment are all good, and there are no noticable creaking sounds when the wheels are turned either way.
It is like I am driving the car drunk when I am straight, and it is driving me nuts!
Do I have bad ball joints? Any ideas?
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Old Dec 20, 2007 | 06:06 PM
  #2  
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From: Fayettenam, Ar, US
Default Re: Steering wheel pull, suspension issue ? (The Bster)

suspend the front of the car, with the tires straight grab the tire at 3 and 9 'o'clock and wiggle if there is play in the tie rod ends you'll feel it.
Put a big pry bar between the lower control arm and lowest point of the knuckle and pry up on the knuckle to check for lower ball joint play.
Turn the steering all the way in one direction, grab the tire at top and bottom and shove the top in and out to check for upper ball joint slop.

drive at idle thru a smooth parking lot lightly holding the steering wheel to see if you feel a 'kick' in the steering from a broken belt in one of the front tires.
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Old Dec 21, 2007 | 08:09 AM
  #3  
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From: Midlothian, Va, USA
Default Re: Steering wheel pull, suspension issue ? (hondadude)

No "kick" in the steering from a bad belt in a tire. A few weeks ago I used two floor jacks to raise the front, gave it some gas,and had a mechanic buddy check the bearings, tires, wheels, and the ball joints. Everything seemed alright.
This seems to be an intermittent problem that comes and goes. Today the car is driving ok and the steering feels normal. I just don't get it?
A friend drove the car and experienced the same pull situation, so I know that I am not crazy.
Could it be an axle causing it to pull sometimes?

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Old Dec 21, 2007 | 09:07 AM
  #4  
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Default Re: Steering wheel pull, suspension issue ? (The Bster)

Might as well check the engine mounts while you're trying to figure it out.
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Old Dec 21, 2007 | 09:44 AM
  #5  
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From: joplin, mo, usa
Default Re: Steering wheel pull, suspension issue ? (Perfectionist)

yup it's possible u got a mount issue, i know it sounds crazy, but ive seen bad mounts cause that sensation at the dealer. on hard acceleration the motor leans and causes power to transfer inequally through the suspension, pulls and will cause bad vibrations!
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