DRIVERS ASK, TOM ANSWERS: STEERING

AND SUSPENSION PROBLEMS SOLVED

Tom,

Q I recently had a four-wheel alignment done on my ‘92 Lexus SC400. The

car still doesn’t track well. The technician said that the car veers in the
direction of the road pavement. When I oversteer to correct it, the steering
returns back to the veering direction. He thought that the suspension looked
okay, but opined that there might be something wrong with the power
steering. The power steering works fine, but the steering wheel will not hold
steady no matter how flat and straight the roadway is. Can you suggest a
cheap fix?

Collin—Eastman, Ohio

Collin,

A No cheap fix here. Sounds like either the rack is loose internally, rack

mounts are loose, ties rods are loose, cradle mounts are loose, or you have
low tire pressure, a worn rag or u-joint at the rack, or a worn u-joint in the
steering coupler between the rack and steering wheel. Someone is not doing
their job in finding the problem; find another shop that’s competent in
steering and suspension work.