Hello. I'm new to the board and my question may already be answered elsewhere. If I'm repeating an old topic please point me in the right direction.

I purchased an 89 IROC CONVERT 305 TPI a few weeks ago. It has 114k miles and the engine is still running great. I'm very happy with my purchase. Everything seems to be great with the exception of the steering. The car wants to pull to the left and right while driving, even on a straight and smooth highway. On bumpy roads the steering wheel shakes horribly. The previous owner told me of this but I didn't understand what she meant until after driving it a week. She called it "feeling the road". I don't expect it to drive like a new camaro, though that would be nice, but I don't think I should have to be fighting it while driving. I'm going to buy new tires next week, when I get payed. What else should I have checked/changed to have an easier drive? Also I don't know much about cars. Thanks for any tips.

[edited some wording]

 

Errr...Is this an "all original" suspension type of car ?
at 114K you may be looking at pretty much everything.

I'd say hold off on the tyres until you can inspect
everything else. Unless they're in and of themselves
a safety issue.

dampers (shocks and struts)
If original, the rear shocks are toast, the struts
hold up pretty well but at 114k are pretty questionable

steering links
Some of these will be worn out at 114K usually if
your going to change out a piece here change it all out

ball joints
These could be anything, either they are toast or still
functioning well, largely a function of regular timely lubrication

bushings
Could be anything.. You have to inspect...

The reason for holding off on tyres is that it is very easy to
ruin high performance tyres that is turn them into
low performance tyres. You really want to make sure the
rest of the system is functional before spending money
on big ticket items like tyres.

 

wore really bad cause the pulling to left or right??if only pulling one way,it'd be easier to find,but with both ways,are the tires toeing in /out??what's the wear on the tires tell you??