My front wheels were out of whack with my rear wheels. L front was 5/8" further forward then the R. I did a little strut rod adjusting to help even it a bit. Finally got new tires as well, old ones were bald and showing a ton of steel belts. Previously swapped out gear boxes for a manual box versus the power steering one I had when I HAD power steering. My steering before was pretty tough, especially in a parking lot or slow tight turns. Even with the pizza cutters up front. Now after putting these new tires on and slight strut rod adjusting, it's very sensitive. The easiest steering vehicle I've ever driven. I know I'm in need of an alignment but it's pretty close. I know I've heard or read something about forward and back of the front wheels affecting steering sensitivity, shopping cart effect. I'm bringing it in soon for an alignment and hope that will rectify the sensitivity. I would just like to know if anyone else has had similar situations happen. Thanx!
Yes after totally rebuilding the steering(has P/S) and suspension on my Comet I've adjusted everything movable numerous times... Adding positive caster(shorten strut rods) will give additional feel, stabilization and make steering stiffer... In a nut shell the factory specs suck... Anytime caster is adjusted, toe in will require set as well... For manual steering the specified +½* to -½* caster should be increased to around 2* positive if possible... A P/S vehicle will be happier at 3* or 4* positive...
I'm going to have to learn how measure for alignment. My manual steering has play in the wheel and a little pull. I've only put 50 miles on it, but tire wear is ok (they look new). I'm thinking one front might be toed-out a tad.
I boo booed when I said lengthening the strut rods increased positive caster, instead need to shorten(pull wheels forward) to gain positive caster.. I've edited orig post...
Update update update!!! Just finished getting my alignment done a few hours ago. Drives wonderfully now. Don't know if it's ever driven this nice since I've owned the car. I asked them about the sensitivity issues and what could cause it with my setup. They said because I'm running such a narrow tire (pizza cutters) that my jump from a 70 series to the current 80 series can definitely affect it. All I know now it my steering wheel isn't crooked, it handles great now, the new tires absorb the road much better and it steers much nicer now and not nearly as sensitive. It feels pretty much like a regular car with power steering. What a relief because it was a pretty sketchy ride on the freeway at 70+.
