2003 Montero Pulls to the Right

I would have your tyres removed from the vehicle and check for any case failures, a problem here in Australia with veering to left and right. Other than that, have another service centre give you a written report after having another wheel alignment and both your front tyres done with a on car balance.

Peter

Might be the tires, but I bet its something else. Here's a workable theory. When the wheels are switched, the SUVs up an a hoist. ie the suspension goes down to full droop, and twists the suspension bushes into a state of tension. When its back on the road, it takes a while for the suspension bushes to settle back into the "pulls to the right" condition.

I'd have the dealer do the following:

a) verify that the front ball joints are not worn. Yes, it can happen even at 29,000. b) verify that that the front axle INNER cv joints are not worn or sticking. If there's wear, you will often get a steering wheel shimmy that is often diagnosed as wheel balance. This can also cause pulls to the side that has the wear. c) while up on the hoist, loosen the bolts that run through the main suspension bushes (the lower arm inner esspecially), drop the SUV back on the ground. Back and forewards a few times to settle the bushing position, then tighten up the bush bolts. d) if c) does not work, replace the the lower arm inner bushes. If you can find tougher after market urethanes (eg from Energy Suspension and similar), get these in preference to the originals.

Stewart DIBBS

problem?

My montero sport had the problem. I too had my tires rotated every which way, aligned 3 times, and it only disappeared when I bought new tires. Finally have wearing them out a little bit because of the pull a Total Care Care shop diagnosed radial pull. But in order to get Yokahama to replace them under warranty, I had to buy another set of Yokahamas which they would prorate from an authorized Yokahama dealer. It was simply cheaper to purchase a brand new Michellan from Costco with full road hazard warranty for a much better tire. I bit the bullet and bought the tires for $500. Never had the problem again.

Thanks !. Exactly what I suspected. Monteros are tough, I suspected the YOKOHAMAS. You are right. As with Battery warranties they are all rip offs.

Our 2001 Montero Sport does the same thing. We to have rotated tires etc. We have decided that it is in tire and decided to live with it for a bit longer until we need new tires.

We bought it in 2003 with 57,000 miles on it. I drove it round trip last weekend 400+ miles and I don't notice the pull as much as my husband.