Re: GT steering/suspension problem

[ejfluhr@ulc231.residence.gatech.edu]

Sorry if this has gone though already.  I didn't see it earlier.  I
think I send it while the list was down.
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This problem has been bugging me for a while now.  The car is an '85 GT.
 
When I accelerate, the car pulls STRONGLY toward the right.  This
happens in any gear, although it is stronger in first and second and
somewhat weaker in 5th.  When I let off the gas, the car stops pulling,
and when I brake, it pulls weakly to the left.  It seems to depend on
the amount to which the front end lifts or dives on acceleration or
deceleration.  It also is affected by the weight distribution/load of
the car (i.e. I usually take two passengers, and they both sit on the
passenge side, front and back.  The pulling becomes much stronger.)
 
This is probably related:  the car does not seem settled when
cruising.  It feels like the suspension is "cocked" to one side, and
when I turn one direction (left, I think), the platform first straightens
out and then the body starts to roll to the right side.

The car is out of alignment right now, but this behavior was still 
occurring when the car was aligned.  It tracked straight when not
accelerating/decelerating.  Also, the strut bushings are about 3 years
old.  I replaced the wheel bearings and control arm bushings last August.
The springs are still stock though, with 126K on them.

I plan on investigating (solving!) this problem over spring break, but
I don't know if it is steering related, suspension related or some
combo thereof.  I didn't think torque steer could be this strong, and
also affect the deceleration of the car.  
Any clues to this mystery will really help.

Thanks,
Eric  

Eric J. Fluhr                    gt6493c@prism.gatech.edu :: Georgia Tech!
http://ulc231.residence.gatech.edu/                      '85 Audi Coupe GT
"Those who strive for the very best in life, very often achieve it."  Unknown