My 90 runner won't track well on the hwy. It's all over the road. Fix?
 

I got pulled over by a hwy cop tonite because he thought I was drunk. he said I wandered to one side of the lane or the other about 6 times in 3 miles. I didn't get a ticket or anything, but I gotta do something about this steering.

It's not sloppy. If you turn the wheel even a little, the vehicle turns.

It has a very tight turning radius, with no noises or clunks or anything. it doesn't pull left or right on the hwy. The tires are new. the steering rod recall is done.

My biggest problem seems to be that it is too responsive. Too touchy. You gotta be 100% focused with hands at 10&2 if you want to keep it in the center of your lane on the hwy.

I don't notice it in town. Only at hwy speeds.

I'm a firefighter EMS for a vol dept out here, and i have a sticker on my rear window. I know the cop gave me every chance in the world before he said screw it, I gotta pull this guy over, EMS or not. It was kind of embarassing.

What do I need to do to make this thing track better on the hwy?

Thx.

When they did the recall, did they align it?

Checklist of things to examine and consider: Alignment, steering shock absorber, tire pressure, sway bar(s), shocks, ball joints, idler arm...

I can't say when the last alignment was, or if it was done with recall.

I guess i always though tthat if the tire wear was uniform and the vehicle didn't pull to one side or another, the alignment was okay.

Mebbe I'm wrong. I'll search the alignment threads here to see if I can do some simple checks.

Tire pressure is same all 4 tires, shocks are new.

I'll check the steering damper shock and all the linkage...

Thx.

not enough caster and toe out will definately make steering a handlfull..

If the relay rod was pulled - it needs to be re-aligned.

My guess - ya got some toe out....

Alignment. The best bet is find an old school alignment shop, but they are getting hard to find. If you take it to a Sears, NTB, etc, be sure to get a before and after printout.

Pay particular attention to the toe and "cross caster". Both need to be in spec, and while the caster might be different on each side (a way to compensate for road crown), they should both be on the same side of zero (negative or positive).

If you go to one of the "chain" places, you will probably have to force them to adjust the caster if it's not where you want it.

Had the EXACT same issue. I would bet money on it being the alignment. Two words for you - Lifetime Alignment .. they are a wonderfull thing. and worth every penny of the $160.00. During the summer (playing) months, I take it in like every other week. If I think it needs it or not. I mean, why not?!

Great thread on DIY alignment here

I'm gonna try it and see what happens.

Thanks to all.

From what I'm reading, toe is the most likely culprit.

IMHO the "lifetime" alignment is worth what it costs...

I pay for an old skool alignement. they charge byt the task and what gets done...