When I am on the brakes, no matter light or heavy, the steering wheel pulls to one or the other side, but mostly to the left. It feels like the car is on railroad tracks and I can't steer off them. If I am on the highway and lay on the brakes, it almost feels like the rear end is going to come around. I've changed the idler arm and checked the rest of the suspension joints, but nothing seems out of the ordinary for a 20 year old car. I did notice that there was a little bit of in/out play with the wheel bearings, so I picked up 4 new ones with seals. Going to change those out soon, but I can't believe that is all of my problem. Brake pads are good, by the way.

The car seems to want to climb the ruts on the road surface, not favoring one side or another.

I had the front end aligned 2 years ago, and didn't drive it more than 100 miles since then.

I then noticed the other day that it looks like there is a bit of positive camber in the front wheels, as compared to the rear. I'll say that the car wasn't on a perfectly flat surface, but it still looked a little odd. Does anyone know the acceptable front-end alignment specifications so that I can tell for sure if I need to have that looked at?

Thanks!

 

The problem is probably worn out brake calipers and/or ruber brake lines that connect to the caliper. What happens is the ruber brake line will deteriorate and little peaces will get stuck in the caliper piston making it stick and then pull to one side.

 

It could also be warped rotors. You could pull them off and have them turned at a shop, then pack your new bearings and install. I just paid $10 per rotor today to have them cut for a friend's 4th Gen.

 

I would also say the front brake components possibly. although if the camber and caster is not set right for the car, then it will be overly sensitive to road conditions. ie tracking the ruts in the road and such...

 

As far as I can tell, the rotors are fine. No pulsing or vibrating whatsoever. New pads were installed less than 2,000 miles ago.

The fact that it does track kinda' funny is leading me to believe that the camber/toe is out. Any way to check (basic) alignment myself at home?