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Shade Tree Mechanic
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OP
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My 1952 Chevrolet 4-Door has a slight pull to the right requiring steering wheel correction to the left. Can I adjust the two tie rod ends on the left side tie rod (right side tie rod is solid), to move both front wheels to the left just enough to compensate for the right side pull? The car doesn't wander so the current toe in seems to be okay. Thanks in advance for your replys.
Fred , VCCA 52403
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A front end alaignment would be suggested. The castor may be off along with other problems. The front suspension and steering should be inspected first,
Aalso possible the "pull" could be caused by the tires.
Gene Schneider
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How much of a pull? All roads have a slight slant from the center to the side for water to drain. My 52 does the same thing. If I go to the left side, I need to steer slightly to the right.
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I agree with Chev Nut that a complete front end alignment/inspection be done . That will include tires, wheel bearing adjustment, brake adjustment, and all steering components. You can get a quick idea by driving in a flat parking lot at slow speed and try hands off and light brake application. If it stays straight chances are it's the road crown and if not then an alignment is best.
Steve D
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There is some good advice here. Before you head to the alignment shop do the simple things.
Even if the pull is not under braking check the brake adjustment. One brake could be dragging.
Sometimes I have eliminated a slight pull by rotating the tires (and of course check the pressures). The same crown in the road that causes the slight pull can set a small wear pattern into a tire that exaggerates the pull.
Rusty
VCCA #44680
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Shade Tree Mechanic
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OP
Shade Tree Mechanic
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From all indications the slight pull is an alignment problem since installing a set of Coker radial tires did not make any difference, the wheel and brakes were checked, and it is present on both crowned and flat roads. Since I am have some concerns about letting an alignment shop work on a vintage car they are not familiar with, I will attempt some minor tie rod adjustments before it goes to the shop.
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ChatMaster - 25,000
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Adjusting the tie rod ends will not change anything other than screwing up the toe in. Will not change pulling to one side.
What you may have is a bad radial tire. Try placing the right side tire on the left side. etc....kown as radial pull.
Last edited by Chev Nut; 01/12/19 02:33 PM.
Gene Schneider
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As others have said, check the pull on a level road. If slight, let er go. "If it ain't broke....." Unless you find an old school front end mechanic, taking the car to a "modern" shop can be more problems than it's worth. Personally, I went to one such shop and they couldn't even figure out how to start the car or shift it, so I said never mind. LOL
Rick
"Never time to do it right the first time, but always time to do it over."
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Mike 41 Chevy
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