Steering Issue

[Ksulli32]

I have a 2005 Yukon XL SLT with 285,000 miles on it, I started getting pretty nasty vibrations up front. So I had my pitman and idler connections replaced because they were REALLY worn, I also got 4 new Firestone Destination AT tires mounted and balanced. These two repairs fixed the vibrations perfectly and now it rides smooth. But, upon getting an alignment and everything now my steering pulls right and the steering wheel is a little off center. As soon as you correct the steering wheel (puts it at about 11 o'clock) the truck tracks perfectly. I took it back to the mechanic and after taking it for a test drive he gave me the explanation that because I replaced the idler and pitman connections and connected them to a steering box with 285,000 miles on it the parts may not mesh 100%. Does this make sense or was the mechanic just avoiding more work? I gotta believe that you can out the steering wheel back to 12 o'clock somehow. Will it possibly get better as the connections wear a little bit, or is my steering just going to get worse? It sounds like its gonna get worse. Any insight on the issue would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[HUMBL57]

If it wasn't pulling before there's no reason it can't be corrected. Something is out of adjustment. The first thing a 'good' alignment tech will do when aligning a car is center the steering wheel and there's a tool that uses tension against the drivers seat to hold it centered. It sounds like you have another issue though since it's also pulling right. Make sure you're driving on flat road first, as many roads have a good crown for drainage that will cause you to drift if you take your hand off the wheel. Some alignment shops even adjust for how bad the roads are crowned. Hope this helps you, good luck!

 

[ccapehartusarmyINF.(ret)]

check your front bearings i recently was having similar issues even after my alignment was done turns out my front right bearing was wearing out and was causing all my problems
unfortunatly i couldnt figure this before the bearing started making terrible loud screaching and squealing noises when i looked at the old bearing it was totally fried im suprised the wheel even moved

 

[bottomline2000]

check hub bearings, ball joints and this....http://tahoeyukonforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=46957

 

[Marv02]

Check the brakes see if the rotors are with in limits and if a brake is hanging up.

Also swap the front tires right to left how the air pressure.