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Topic: Alignment Issue ?? (Read 161 times) previous topic - next topic
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Alignment Issue ??
Dear Wizards Who Know Mechanical Stuff--

     As I became accustomed to driving LDy Lulubelle, I realized at some point that it wasn't just me being a newbie at driving something so big, or dreadful crosswinds across Kansas between north Missouri & Denver--she seemed to be pulling to the left.  This was confirmed by the SmartWeigh folks at RV Boot Camp in Tuscon, who pointed out the tire wear.  So off we go to Midway Ford in KC, who had satisfactorily worked on my old F350 farm truck when it stranded me in KC, & done LDy Lulubelle's oil changes.

     Midway informed me one of LDy Lulubelle's previous families had installed a Safe-T-Steer...& their opinion was on a par with the Mothership's attitude toward Eternabond, saying they couldn't do a proper alignment with it on there, so I authorized the removal...fortunately, this was not welded on, so no trouble getting it off.  I drove it a bit afterwards, with the tech; she no longer pulled to the left (actually, maybe a little drift to the right, but the tech said there's always a bit of variation, so off we went).  I've not noticed anything different without the Safe-T-Steer (& I really appreciate the recent discussions about stabilizers).

      She did end up with all new shoes over the following six months, but there've been no jolts to the front end, & she's been on paved surfaces except a few miles of gravel road out to the farm & a few turns around the pasture when I dump/rinse the tanks.  Over the past few jaunts to KC, she seems to pulling more significantly to the right & today I was aware that the Ford logo in the steering wheel is pretty much steady at 10-4, rather than 9-3 (it was rainy, but no significant crosswind).

     I'd appreciate any thoughts about alignment or any other potential causes for the pull to the right--I always feel more confident when I've got some information & suggestions from those who understand the anatomical complexities of mechanical stuff.

                                           Thx, in advance--
Lynne
LDy Lulubelle, Green '05 31' TB
Lilly, the 4-Legged Alarm

Re: Alignment Issue ??
Reply #1
Assuming the alignment shop checked the front suspension and steering for worn parts, the tire pressure and their condition is the first thing I would look at.
Are the front tires wearing evenly and when you slide your hand across the surface of each front tire, do they feel smooth and even or are there small ridges or cupping?   This would indicating improper alignment or a loose part.
It's not common but loose suspension parts, in the rear, can also cause pulling.
Highly crowned roads will also cause pulling to the right.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze

 
Re: Alignment Issue ??
Reply #2
Just to be clear, Lynn, are you talking about Steer-Safe or Safe-T-Plus? There is no product called Safe-T-Steer as far as I know, but there's a lot of confusion between the names of the other two.
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"