Steering wheel angle changes under acceleration

[Dirk37]

For many months I'd been fighting with this issue where my car would want to pull to the right or left under acceleration and my steering wheel was sideways while going straight. I replaced my tie rod ends a few weeks ago, then yesterday I replaced my control arms, strut rod bushings, and installed aluminum subframe bushings, and it still does it!! I got it aligned after both times too. It's not as severe as it was, but while accelerating it pulls to the right and I have to hold the wheel cocked to the left a little bit. Sometimes while turning there is a creaking sound that seems to be coming from the steering column, and I know one of the strut caps is missing some of the balls from the bearings, but besides those everything else is normal and I am at a loss as to why this is happening.

 

[TimboSHO]

Just good old torque steer in a high horsepower FWD car. I would replace the strut bearing in question, as that will cause some bad memory steer, but as far as torque steer, I don't have any great suggestions (other than telling you that my 89 with the Gen 3 subframe has less torque steer than my wagon!).

 

[rubydist]

if you think about the consequences of the strut bearing having missing balls, you will realize that you know exactly what is wrong and how to fix it...

 

[Dirk37]

if you think about the consequences of the strut bearing having missing balls

I've done a little research on bad strut bearings and I understand why they would cause memory steer, but I'm not sure why it would cause the car to wonder right under acceleration. Could it be torque steer combined with memory steer?

 

[Racer X]

If the bearing plates are worn enough, then the strut will articulate when acceleration forces are applied to it. If it's articulating, your alignment geometry is changing, which is why your steering wheel wants to move, and the car wants to pull.

 

[Dirk37]

I finally found the problem! I noticed my CV axle boot had a split in it a while ago so I siliconed it shut and forgot about it. Then the other day I looked under the car and discovered that it had turned into a grease-grenade.

I replaced the axle, and no more steering problems :woo-hoo: