New Control arms, now steering seems loose

IlliniX5 · #1 02-11-2006, 01:56 PM

Had the front control arms replaced this week after the drivers side broke (43,000 miles). Lucklily it was one week before the warranty was up so it didn't cost me anything (althought they got me for $750 for new front brakes and fluid flush). My question is that the steering somehow seems looser now then before the original control arm broke. Has anyone else encountered this or can think of an explanation. My wife likes because it is easier to park but if there is a problem I want to get it fixed.

Sponsored Links

dkl · #2 02-11-2006, 02:06 PM

Loose as in easier to turn? Or loose as there is too much "play" in the steering wheel before the front wheel does anything?

vinuneuro · #3 02-11-2006, 02:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IlliniX5

Had the front control arms replaced this week after the drivers side broke (43,000 miles). Lucklily it was one week before the warranty was up so it didn't cost me anything (althought they got me for $750 for new front brakes and fluid flush). My question is that the steering somehow seems looser now then before the original control arm broke. Has anyone else encountered this or can think of an explanation. My wife likes because it is easier to park but if there is a problem I want to get it fixed.

Get an alignment. Then review it again.

IlliniX5 · #4 02-11-2006, 02:14 PM

Loose as in easier to turn. I didn't think there is excessive play in the sterring wheel but now I will have to go for a drive and check it out.

Quote:

Originally Posted by dkl

Loose as in easier to turn? Or loose as there is too much "play" in the steering wheel before the front wheel does anything?

vinuneuro · #5 02-11-2006, 02:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IlliniX5

Loose as in easier to turn. I didn't think there is excessive play in the sterring wheel but now I will have to go for a drive and check it out.

You might have too much toe out. It's usually good to get an alignment after suspension components have been changed because various angles can change.

motordavid · #6 02-11-2006, 02:21 PM

Illini: How the hell did they charge you for new brakes? Should have covered under warr/maint. (Or, maybe you maint part had expired?)

IlliniX5 · #7 02-11-2006, 02:28 PM

Hey Motor,
I have an 02 which I think only cames with a 3yr maintaince coverage which expired right before I purchased it. They charged $550 P&L which sounded reasonable based on what I have seen other people get charged by the dealer.

Quote:

Originally Posted by motordavid

Illini: How the hell did they charge you for new brakes? Should have covered under warr/maint. (Or, maybe you maint part had expired?)

motordavid · #8 02-11-2006, 02:35 PM

Illini: Yes, I thought so...my '01 and your '02 came with the 3 yr Maint...

I bought a one yr Ext Maint for $399 and got front brakes and a couple other glitches done...that has since expired.
OK price, espc for the Stlr.

No help or opin on your new ConArm situ, but I'd take it back and beef a lil' bit and get them to test drive it. You know how it felt vs how it feels, now.
GL,md

IlliniX5 · #9 02-11-2006, 09:43 PM

Vin and uncle motor thanks for your suggestions. I will take it back to the dealer and see is they can figure out why the steering seems looser (lighter) and maybe get an alignment done
Anyone know how much an alignment should cost at the dealer.

Sponsored Links