Truck Pulls To The Left

[aznarsil]

2004 Silverado Extended Cab 5.3L Z71 140,000 miles

 

About 6 months ago I noticed that the boots on my upper ball joints were torn. One side was missing completely, and the other was torn badly. Just greased them up and went on down the road as I really didn't want to deal with it.

 

About the same time I replaced 2 tires (new ones on the rear).

 

Friday I replaced the remaining 2 tires, and they rotated them as well. Still have almost full tread on the now front tires. Immediately pulling away from the tire shop I noticed a very strong pull to the left. Had to have the wheel turned significantly clockwise to go straight down the road.

 

I swapped the tires left / right, but no change.

 

Took it to the shop to have the front end checked out and an alignment done. They said the ball joints were really worn. I went ahead and had them replace them since I knew the boots were torn I figured the joints were trash. They replaced:

• both upper ball joints
  
• both lower ball joints
  
• idler arm
  
• both tie rod ends
  

 

and did an alignment. As best as I understand, there's not a whole lot left in the steering that can be off.

 

I left, and it's still pulling to the left, but a lot different. The steering isn't loose anymore. Now I can go straight down the road with the steering wheel straight. As soon as I let go, I'm in the lane to my left within 250 feet. Even when the road crown is pushing me to the right. It takes a good two fingers of force to keep the steering wheel straight.

 

What's really frustrating about all of this is before the new tires / rotation, it drove straight. The steering wheel was straight, and it went straight down the road. It didn't pull (in any significant amount) when I let go of the steering wheel.

 

When I step on the brake it feels like it starts pulling back to the right. But what I think I'm feeling is it stops pulling to the left, but since I'm already applying clockwise pressure on the steering wheel to compensate for the pull, I'm essentially steering it to the right. I think this means my brakes might be dragging.

 

What else could it be?

How do I test for the brakes dragging?

 

Also, any ideas why putting the new tires on would cause this? I really did have play in the front end, so it may have just made the problem stand out more.

[8.1HD/ALLISON]

Jack the truck up and spin the wheels by hand. If you have a brake dragging you should be able to feel it. Sounds like problems started with the new tires. I would check all tire sizes and pressures. Try swapping tires left to right and front to rear and see if problem changes.

[ChevyTech77]

Tires.

[aznarsil]

Jacked the front up this evening and spun the front tires. They both turn perfectly smooth. Definitely no signs of brakes dragging.

 

I did swap the front tires left / right before doing the repairs. I'll swap them again when I can. Could the back tires be causing a pull?

[ChevyTech77]

It didn't pull until they put the tires on it. Stop wasting your own time and take it back to them. Tell them how it went down and that you don't want the truck back until it doesn't pull. Either way, tire or wheel alignment, its on their dime now, period. You have a legit issue and they need to take care of it.

[aznarsil]

Took it back. They did another alignment. Supposedly the camber was off. In any case, it drives straight now so I'm happy.