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Skjaeret -> Steering Questions & Symptoms (9/22/2007 11:22:17 PM)
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Greetings... 1997 Thunderbird LX (8 cylinder), which has an interesting (or perhaps not so interesting) steering issue.
When starting from a stop and turning the wheel, a "creaking" noise can be heard from the front of the car, though you don't get it once in motion. This is a relative new symptom compared to the real question below, however:
The main symptom is a steering "wander" at higher speeds (i.e. 60-65 MPH, becomes more pronounced as speed increases). This isn't a pull, but rather the car feels like it continually slips or "bounces" a bit to the left and right. In general, it tracks forward, but you feel like you're continually correcting the car, even if you're not.
I've had two shops say that they can find nothing wrong with the streering or front end of the car.
I suspect one or more ball joint(s), possible tie rod ends or (less likely) a streering system problem itself as the behavior seems to be independent of streering input. (BTW: alignment has both been done and verified, but that was independent of this issue).
I realize, and therefore hope, that this is not an uncommon symptom and from that can get some items I can have a 3rd shop focus on. If it's as obvious as I think it may be, and yet some shops can't isolate it, I think I'd prefer the work done elsewhere. (Unless this really is something very odd, in which case hints or ideas will be just as valuable).
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