New axle new problem

[ericsmith32]

The previous drivers side axle in the Aspire clicked on corners so I replaced it today. It's always pulled hard to the right on certain roads and when it pulls hard would make a wobble sound. The alignment is close enough it shouldn't pull that hard. I replaced the sway bar bushings today also. It has been hit on the passenger side front and the cross beam is bent (see below). The problem now is it sounds awful. I guess it's pulling on the new boot. I'm going to measure the axle tomorrow but I'm pretty sure it's the same. Anyone else have this problem?

I'm guessing the subframe is bent. Well the only positive thing is now I know that everything on Aspire is worth swapping to the Festiva if I have to. I bet the 97 gearing will be awesome in the Festiva.

[shadetree]

Unless that's just the picture ,man that looks really bad . Like not safe to drive bad .

[91_festy_Gl]

Not sure but that wheel looks toed inward no?

[ericsmith32]

*sigh* Think I figured it out.. forgot to tighten the lug nuts on the drivers side duh. I did snug them down with the impact just forgot the final tightening still work loose though. Unfortunately put a hole in the inner cv boot so going to have to do it again eventually. Put some epoxy on it not holding my breath. I bet it'll still pull regardless.. the tires were turned in the pic.

[zoom zoom]

whats going on with that picture? it's so weird, almost makes me dizzy.. is the car sitting on the rotor on the driver side or what?

[91_festy_Gl]

That sway bar bushing mount looks twisted?

[ericsmith32]

The picture is twisted a little and the tires are turned. I have bent it out and down a little since that pic was taken. I need to do it some more and weld a plate in there. Truthfully if it drives like it did or better not going to mess with it. That mount is bent but doesn't seem to effect the sway bars alignment.

[econoaddict]

*sigh* I bet it'll still pull regardless...

By looking at the pic I bet it pulls just like before you changed the axle.
Bent frames, bent subframes and bent mounting points do not fix themselves.
After 22+ years of alignments and auto repair I would be amazed if the alignment is near close to where it belongs.

[nitrofarm]

By looking at the pic I bet it pulls just like before you changed the axle.
Bent frames, bent subframes and bent mounting points do not fix themselves.
After 22+ years of alignments and auto repair I would be amazed if the alignment is near close to where it belongs.

What would a fair price be for frame straighting? My PO must have hit a big snow bank.

[ericsmith32]

Still pulls the same. Only bad on starting out and on slanted highways over 55. The rear is out of whack also not really worth fixing either. It actually pulls to the left not right. I wonder if I set the drivers side tire camber in if it'll help any. Ehh it's a $200 car.

[econoaddict]

What would a fair price be for frame straighting? My PO must have hit a big snow bank.

We don't do the actual frame straightening, we send it to a frame shop.
Usually if it's not to major anywhere from $200-$600. Really depends on how many hours it needs to be on the rack.

[nitrofarm]

We don't do the actual frame straightening, we send it to a frame shop.
Usually if it's not to major anywhere from $200-$600. Really depends on how many hours it needs to be on the rack.

Ok Im gonna try a one festy axle. They are 1/4" shorter. I had to fab my upper eng mount 1" in order to get my engine square in the eng bay. It doesnt pull but the problem I'm having is that the axles are really tight. There is NO end play @ all. They are really bound up once you uou get them installed. The PO replaced the whole front clip & one door. But you cant see any signs of damage any where. I believe one side of the subframe has been pushed over & back somewhat. I bought the car for a parts car,so its not the end of the world. I just enjoy driving it,so it would be nice to figure out whats causing it.

[shadetree]

What would a fair price be for frame straighting? My PO must have hit a big snow bank.

Really ? Maybe a bank hidden in the snow ! Haha

[nitrofarm]

What would a fair price be for frame straighting? My PO must have hit a big snow bank.

Really ? Maybe a bank hidden in the snow ! Haha

LOL But I didnt find any hidden money !