lucey

My 2004 seems to be steering a little harder than normal. It also seems to have memory and doesn't recenter easily. I hit a curb last week but didn't notice any issues after the incident. A week later and very cold temps i notice this now.

The pump, redhead steering box, front joints, steering damper have roughly 140,000km. I'm wondering if i damaged something or maybe bent a damper ? The steering just recently was rock solid, no play, and tracked straight. It still does track straight, but seems to want to travel and stay there.

Thoughts ?

chillman25

Jack up a corner or both and pop the tie rod off the knuckle. Swivel the tire back and forth to see if the ball joints are binding. Also, this will give you an opportunity to check the u-joints, wheel bearing, and ball joints at the same time.
With that many miles, most likely the joint/joints. What brand of joints did you go with?

lucey

Carli ball joints 140,000km ago. Also Timken wheel bearings, spicer triple seal ujoints all at the same time.

chillman25

Once the wheel is securely off the ground and disconnected from the tie rod, pivot the wheel. It should flow smoothly from lock to lock.
Just because you have Carli BJ doesn't mean they won't fail. But they will warranty the original owner for a replacement set.

lucey

Dove into it today and the outer tie rod end on the right side is pretty seized. Bought another 2010 complete steering rod kit for 450 CDN. Drove it around and seems nice and easy. Ujoints, wheel bearings and ball joints were mint. No play and moving freely. See how it is once the alignment is dead on. Its out pretty bad ha ha.