I drove a friend's 2000 Corolla today and was HORRIFIED to have obtained tire pressures between 15-20psi on that car, along with learning that she has never been under the hood of a car that she bought originally and has owned for 8 years! Anyways the car pulled to the right like the Gov of Alaska, and I figured it had to do with the fact that the worst tire was the right-rear, with only 14psi in it.
Since the pressures were not listed on a sticker anywhere on the body of her car, I set 'em all to 32psi. (BTW this is a surprise as the pressures were located on a placard inside the driver's door frame of my '96 Contour.) The on-center steering feel was restored and the car took off and came to a stop like a much newer car! The pull to the right became more gradual but still very noticeable(I have to keep the steering wheel tilted toward 10'oclock to stay away from the curb!) There is next to no torque-steer in this 2000 Corolla btw.
Then it hit me - just like the driver not paying attention rear-ended her Corolla early 2007! DID THE IMPACT POSSIBLY BEND THE FRAME??? Again, he hit her square from behind, not diagonally or a t-bone hit, but straight into her ass. The damage totalled $3,000+, and was picked up by the guy's insurance.
Anywho, the ride in this Corolla is now very smooth, well-centered steering with more than adequate return, BUT: the strong pull to the right and a rather bothersome wiggle-jiggle of the steering wheel at highway speeds(over 50mph).
Questions: Is the pull to the right the result of the accident or my friend's mechanical neglect of her car?
Is the jiggling steering wheel cause by a tire that may have thrown a weight and, thus it's state of balance, into the woods?
Thanks to be back on line - I was stuck back on late Friday afternoon until just now! :D
-ChrisCoaster