I've been waiting for this problem to manifest itself since winter was over. Basically, my 1991 Civic (Which has a front strut rod) has been pulling during braking, AND acceleration. Kind of rare to get two for the price of one. While the problem was progressing, I suspected the strut rod bushings (the arm that runs to the front of the car).

Just last week I jacked it up again and found .050" free play in the passenger ball joint. After replacing both lower joints the pulling/torque steer is gone, and all is well. This wear occurred over the span of 5 months in harsh winter weather.

The reason I am posting this as a complaint (torque steer and/or brake pull), is because the lower ball joints should be inspected along with the brakes and bushings when diagnosing this particular problem. I have driven many cars with this condition with the same complaint, and the repair was a bushing, or a brake caliper/hose.

Please diagnose your issue, inspect your suspension, and replace as required. I'm pretty certain I am not the only 91 Civic riding around with a torque steer/brake pull problem.

This thread is not meant to be responded to, unless you have a story to tell regarding a similar situation. In which case I will respond.

BTW: This thread shall apply to ANY strut rod Honda. (EG 88-91 Civic/CRX, Early Accords, ETC)

 

in other words:

if you have symptoms as you described, you have alignment issues.

figure out why you have alignment issues. i dont mean just getting an alignment done. diagnose your issues by checking simple things, like play in your suspension (.050" is HUGE!)

Then get an alignment.

 

My alignment is perfect, before and after the ball joint being replaced. The lower joint is a static load bearing joint, so provided there was no radial play in the joint, (which, there was none or else I would have mentioned it) no alignment check will ever diagnose the conditions I describe in a STATIC environment.

The reason I posted this is because most pull/steer conditions are due to bushing compliance/wear, not a ball joint, this is an exception because of the style of suspension used.

If you cannot constructively add to the post, (meaning technical content) don't post.

 

lol. 0.050" of balljoint play...

perfect alignment.

lol.

 

Lower ball joint is a loaded type, and will not affect any alignment so long as it is a load bearing joint. .050" in the upper would affect the reading, but never a load bearing joint, unless is had axial movement.

If you cannot add anything technical to the thread please go elsewhere.

 

Not helpful at all.

On an alignment rack, even with that play, 4/5 alignment technicians will read green numbers and tell you it is all okay. Regardless, for us that are lowered, they will stop when they see negative camber and not further diagnose the pulling.

Thanks slowcivic2k for this info. I think it will help a lot. I recently had the same problem a few months ago.