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KA pulling to the left
betterlatethannever
Posts: 5,280 Forumite
in Motoring
Hi, just after some advice, although i realise you won't be able to accurately say whats wrong, i might sleep better with some rough ideas....
Ford KA, 03 plate, had MOT a month ago and the few repairs needed, were sorted.
Afterwards a mechanic friend, replaced the indicator unit (which included a little more than just the indicator switch) with a new one as the old indicator didn't cancel itself out.
Now the car pulls to the left- take hands off steering wheel and it drives straight for 10 yards or so, then pulls heavily to the left.
Took her into a garage for tracking but they say there's nothing wrong with the tracking, but its something else.:eek:
Is there anything else that causes this to happen, or did my 'mechanic friend' do a dodgy job?
Ford KA, 03 plate, had MOT a month ago and the few repairs needed, were sorted.
Afterwards a mechanic friend, replaced the indicator unit (which included a little more than just the indicator switch) with a new one as the old indicator didn't cancel itself out.
Now the car pulls to the left- take hands off steering wheel and it drives straight for 10 yards or so, then pulls heavily to the left.
Took her into a garage for tracking but they say there's nothing wrong with the tracking, but its something else.:eek:
Is there anything else that causes this to happen, or did my 'mechanic friend' do a dodgy job?
The first time we said hello, was the first time we said goodbye. As the angels took your tiny hand and flew you to the sky-you forever left us breathless. RIP my beautiful granddaughter 
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Comments
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So the indicator stalk was replaced which most likely required removal of the steering wheel. When the car is driving striaght ahead is the steering wheel in the straight ahead position. If it is then the issue is unlikely to be related to the replacement of the stalk. If the wheel is off centre it has not been put back on in the correct position. However even if this were the case I would not expect the car to drive straight and then pull to one side.
More likely explanations are either sticking front brake caliper on the side the car pulls to, causing drag on that wheel or a miss alignment of the suspension. The first option requires urgent attention as it will be damaging your brakes and could result in the brakes on that side overheating and destroying the wheel bearing as well. Second option will require a FOUR wheel aligment (not just the front) to correct the miss alignment.
Best to get this seen to ASAP as could could well render the car dangerous to drive on the public road depending on how much it is pulling to one side.0 -
Ekk :eek:thanks for that info. very helpful.
Yes, the steering wheel was removed and now feels a little 'gritty' when i turn it.
i know one of the tyres was badly worn on the inside, that i hadn't noticed.
Would this be the brake caliper then|?The first time we said hello, was the first time we said goodbye. As the angels took your tiny hand and flew you to the sky-you forever left us breathless. RIP my beautiful granddaughter0 -
betterlatethannever wrote: »Ekk :eek:thanks for that info. very helpful.
Yes, the steering wheel was removed and now feels a little 'gritty' when i turn it.
i know one of the tyres was badly worn on the inside, that i hadn't noticed.
Would this be the brake caliper then|?
if a tyre was showing excessive tread loss on one side , this would lead some people to believe the the cars tracking "was" out0 -
Exactly why she was taken in Freddy- am a bit baffled, but thats nothing new
The first time we said hello, was the first time we said goodbye. As the angels took your tiny hand and flew you to the sky-you forever left us breathless. RIP my beautiful granddaughter0 -
enfield_freddy wrote: »if a tyre was showing excessive tread loss on one side , this would lead some people to believe the the cars tracking "was" out
no it would say tyre out of shape or a balljoint dangerous mate
both tyres would be tracked off if it was tracking and its impossible to do a 4 wheel alignment on a ka but im sure some fast fit chancers would be only too willing to relieve some of their trousers
if steering grinding then its possible upper parts of steering components not located properly its easy to do on a ka/fiesta of this era
i suggest get car to a garage for a safety check if only to ascertain why tyre has worn on one edge for starters,
maybe steering system has lost all power steering fluid as these ka's had a propensity to do from the rack ends0 -
Thank you all:beer:
I must say the garage she is with are tops and would never 'do me over'
I'll find out more tomorrow, just hope that its a cheapish repairThe first time we said hello, was the first time we said goodbye. As the angels took your tiny hand and flew you to the sky-you forever left us breathless. RIP my beautiful granddaughter0 -
If you replaced the unevenly worn tyre with one that isn't unevenly worn you will be able to feel it, pulling to one side is a possibility.0
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Two tyres were replaced during MOT- but not sure which two.
Really need to pay more attention.:oThe first time we said hello, was the first time we said goodbye. As the angels took your tiny hand and flew you to the sky-you forever left us breathless. RIP my beautiful granddaughter0
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