Howdy again,

A machanic had pointed out to me while I was getting my winter tires put on that the outer tie rod on my drivers side was loose and would have to be replaced.

Now since the winter tires were put on I've noticed the car seems to be veering to the left a bit. I know I have to get an alignment done with the new tires, I just can't afford it at this very moment. I'm just wondering if it could be the outer tie rod that's causing that. I also noticed that braking at higher speeds on the highway causes vibrations in the steering wheel and pedal similar to what I was experiencing when my rotors were warped before I replaced 'em.

I need to get both done, I know... I'm just wondering which I should do first to try and get rid of this issue.

 

Yes you should get that replaced. It may be the cause of your alignment issue.

 

^Could it be the cause of the vibrations as well?
OP, do you have a "wiggle" feeling like the car is floating sometimes at highway speeds?

 

Well do you know how it is on a windy day or when driving by a semi where the wake will feel like it's pushing the car? I've noticed that while going at highway speeds when I'm all on my own. It doesn't happen all the time, but it's occured enough for me to take notice.


As a side issue, I have noticed the steering wheel seems to vibrate a little more than it used to when idling and a little during normal driving. I'm really trying to tell whether it's all in my head or not. Possibly I need new engine mounts?

Also one odd thing I noticed, and this only happened once so I'm not that worried about it. I noticed once when it was raining a few days ago when the wipers would go across the windshield, it would cause a very small vibration in the gas pedal. It was hardly noticable, and it took me a while to figure out it was the wipers doing it. I've used the wipers a lot since then and haven't noticed anything, but I just found it odd. Anyone want to guess why wipers would cause a very minor tremble in the pedal?

 

Ah yes, for what it's worth the mechanic did also note that my drivers side tie rod was leaking. I honestly don't know how serious it is when it gets to that point, but as soon as I can afford to fix it, I will be.

I've got to try and work out some time to take it to my mechanic so he can take a better look and see specifically what needs to be replaced.

 

Tie rod leaking-

 

lol, don't ask me... dude said it was leaking when he was talking about the tie rod.

Although it is entirely possible he was talking about a related system and I forgot. I was in a bit of a hurry for him to get the rust proofing done...

 

Rack/pinion maybe.

 

My car veers to the left as well and is accentuated when braking (including steering wheel vibration). I wanted to get an alignment but needed to be sure that would fix the problem. How do you diagnose a bad tie rod and/or rack & pinion?

 

ok, you need to fix the tie rod then get your alignment done, if there are no other loose parts in the front end. if its loose it will cause the car to go in all direction also when braking. if the tie rod is 'leaking' it just a little grease which is nothing, just need to replace the tie rod. if the the rack is leaking thats a diff. story, in that case ud have to change the rack or keep adding p.s fluid untill the leak gets too big. also the sooner the better because ur tires are going to wear unevenly and prematurely do to the play in the tie rod. car will be all good after that.

 

oh also make sure ur rims have proper tire pressure, that the wheels are properly balanced and not bent.
good luck