(Help!)Car hops to the left while driving.

snail said:
So what could it be if you have already done alignment and it still doesn't sort out the issue?
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No, alignment won't fix problems with the suspension.
The guys who did the alignment should have picked up any issues on the control arm and tie rod ends, and told you about it. If not then rather use someone else in future. The tie rod end & control arm would cost about R600, and maybe another R600 to get it replaced. It takes about half an hour or so
 
Hopping is caused by buggered shocks. That will also cause scalloping on the tyres and uneven wear.

The more I read this sort of thing, the more I am convinced that it should be mandatory for people to go through some sort of common sense training with respect to car maintenance before they allowed near a car.

Cars in the wrong hands, and badly maintained will kill you as easily as an AK47 - I wish people would wake up to the fact!!
 
Fazda said:
Hopping is caused by buggered shocks. That will also cause scalloping on the tyres and uneven wear.

The more I read this sort of thing, the more I am convinced that it should be mandatory for people to go through some sort of common sense training with respect to car maintenance before they allowed near a car.

Cars in the wrong hands, and badly maintained will kill you as easily as an AK47 - I wish people would wake up to the fact!!
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Yearly roadworthy tests for cars older than 3 years... it is time.
 
Used to happen on my old car. Turned out to be a ball bearing near the CV joints. As a result, the wheel was a bit loose. If you take your car for an alignment, they should be able to point out the problem.
 
ijacobs3 said:
My focus done the same after a service (at ford...)

I took it to a tiger wheel, turns out the alignment was waaaay out,
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Had a similar problem on my mom's Merc C180 a few years ago, also after it returned from a service. And what happened was that the front left control arm was not tightened properly, causing the front suspension to collapse on my way to work. Needless to say, it was pricey to fix- cost R20k. Luckily Merc were forced to pay for it, but I could never drive that car with any confidence again.

OP- take the car to a reputable place like Hi-Q or Supa Quick.
 
Sinbad said:
Yearly roadworthy tests for cars older than 3 years... it is time.
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Retest every 2 to 3 years will be a waste of time and money, as the guys will do it the same way they get roadworthy certificates today, R100 or bottle Brandy.

Only the guy who does his maintenance regularly and keeps his car in pristine shape anyway is going to suffer the inconvenience.

As long as the system doesn't get overhauled and bribery/corruption is not eliminated, everything will stay the same with the junk on the roads.
 
Sinbad said:
Yearly roadworthy tests for cars older than 3 years... it is time.
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There is already legislation on the cards for mandatory biennial roadworthy tests for vehicles 10 years or older.
I'm not sure if it will happen but it's a good idea and I'm sure it will generate more revenue for parties and bonuses for the ruling party.
 
Stokstert said:
Retest every 2 to 3 years will be a waste of time and money, as the guys will do it the same way they get roadworthy certificates today, R100 or bottle Brandy.

Only the guy who does his maintenance regularly and keeps his car in pristine shape anyway is going to suffer the inconvenience.

As long as the system doesn't get overhauled and bribery/corruption is not eliminated, everything will stay the same with the junk on the roads.
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Understood. I was implying it would be done properly ...
 
Ok. I thank you all for your replies. I'll relay your advices to her. I asked her this morning about wheel alignment and she said that she had the wheels aligned after she bought the new tyres, probably from a shady mechanic cause I noticed that when you drive the car in a straight line the steering wheel is not in its proper position, instead it is positioned like you are turning right(like its turned about 30 degrees to the right).
 
sam7606 said:
Ok. I thank you all for your replies. I'll relay your advices to her. I asked her this morning about wheel alignment and she said that she had the wheels aligned after she bought the new tyres, probably from a shady mechanic cause I noticed that when you drive the car in a straight line the steering wheel is not in its proper position, instead it is positioned like you are turning right(like its turned about 30 degrees to the right).
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OUCH!! Why do people go to Jungle Bunnies to have their cars fixed???
 
So.....problem solved....took the car in this morning, found out the rim was damaged (I think the father in law hit something hard cuz his driving is up to crap he has hit so many things, but he will never admit it). So, everything was done and new tyres put on. Problem solved.....no more pulling (left rim was apparently the damaged rim).
 
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