See full version: Curing Steering Wander
Don't run to the alignment shop just yet. You can get a pretty good idea of camber by using a carpenter's level, although you'll need to be parked on a perfectly level space. We used two 35mm film canisters held to the edge of the level with rubber bands. The canisters served as feet that we placed at the top and bottom of the wheel's rim. Keep in mind that most vehicles will have a degree or two of negative camber. more
You're almost enjoying a long drive on a nice, flat interstate. Almost, because it's windy and you need to saw the steering wheel back and forth, tacking like a sailboat, to stay in your lane. That is, until you make a short rest stop and realize that there's no wind whatsoever. The kids in the back seat are screaming for Dramamine, and you're fatigued after only an hour of driving.
In an ideal world the two lines coincide. But given a vehicle's size, manufacturing tolerances, wear and abuse of daily driving, they often do not. If the deviation between the two is great, your vehicle will dog track. Besides having a steering wheel that's not at center when you're going straight, another obvious clue to dog tracking is if you see four distinct tracks in the snow or rain when driving straight. more
VEHICLE-TO-PAVEMENT INTERFACE
Before you start thinking about expensive repairs, make sure the basic vehicle-to-road interface is okay, meaning the tires. First, check inflation pressures. (Don't trust the gauge on the quarter-eating pump at the local station--those are often off by as much as 5 pounds. Drop 10 bucks on a good gauge and keep it in your glovebox.) You should check your tire pressures once a month. And that's first thing in the morning, cold. The correct pressure is on a sticker--check your owner's manual for its exact location. A low tire on one side will make a car pull in that direction. This is because its rolling diameter will be smaller than that of its mate on the other side. Also, there'll be more tread-to-pavement drag on the low side, pulling the car in that direction.
If your car vibrates—especially when you’re driving at high speeds—alignment is most likely not the issue. More likely: damaged tires; bent wheels; transmission problems; or damaged or worn drive axle, brake components, or suspension components. Unevenly worn tires can also cause vibrations, in which case an alignment might be required. However, without new or rotated tires, the vibrations will persist. [links]
We’re not sure who started this myth, but they might be referring to most roads being sloped slightly to whatever side has the drainage (most commonly the right side). Skilled car repair technicians account for this effect when performing wheel alignments, so if your car is still pulling, you probably have another issue that needs to be addressed. [links]
While an out-of-whack alignment is often responsible for vehicles pulling to one side while driving, it’s not the only possibility. Low air pressure in a tire, a damaged tire, or tires of different sizes or tread designs can cause the same problem. Even a strong crosswind or sloped pavement can make your car pull, so it’s best to get it diagnosed by a repair professional. here
If most of the tread on your tires is gone, you probably just need new tires. But if the wear is noticeably uneven, the problem could be the alignment, so you’ll need to have it checked out with a mechanic. more
There is plenty of faulty information floating around out there about…well, everything, including alignment. So, the best way to know if your car needs an alignment is to take it to a reputable car repair facility. Here are 10 of the most common misconceptions about alignment we hear regularly:
The steering and suspension system on today's cars, trucks and SUV's serves multiple functions. They help us safely navigate different road conditions and work in conjunction to deliver smooth and easy to handle steering operation. Most importantly however, they help us direct the vehicle in the direction we intend to travel. One of the most critical parts of this process is the steering column.
Nonetheless, if this symptom arrives, do not drive the vehicle under any circumstances; as an unlocked steering wheel is a potentially dangerous situation. Make sure to contact a local ASE certified mechanic to inspect and repair this issue for you. more
Anytime you steer a vehicle, the steering wheel should automatically return to zero degree level or the center when you are finished making a turn. This is a safety feature that was introduced with power steering. If the steering wheel does not automatically go to center when the wheel is released, it's most likely caused by a blockage inside the steering column or a broken gear inside the unit. Either way this is a problem requiring immediate attention and inspection by a professional ASE certified mechanic. [links]
American Academy of Family Physicians.
For relief, take a warm bath. Afterward, pat the area dry (don’t rub) with a clean, soft towel. You may also try using a hemorrhoid cream or petroleum jelly on the affected area. [links]
More serious symptoms include:
Many people get diarrhea a few times a year. It normally lasts 2 to 3 days. Some people get it more often. It could be because they have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or other conditions.
Usually, diarrhea happens because of a virus that gets into your gut. Some people call it "intestinal flu" or "stomach flu."
Certain tests can help pinpoint the cause of your diarrhea, including: here