How do you get rid of front end drift on a 99 Suburban - Dealer says it's normal but it's annoying?

Answer 1

While I agree that "It's normal" is a phrase often used to describe a condition the mechanic doesn't understand or doesn't want to deal with, some drift is normal for a Suburban. A Suburban in not a car and does not handle quite the same as a car typically does even when new. If the drift is severe, check for any looseness in the front end and correct as needed. Check also for incorrect tire size or tire underinflation or rims replaced with rims of incorrect offset.

== == == == Don't buy the "it's normal" line. Wandering can be tuned out of any car. You are going to have to find an alignment shop that will work with you on it. Go to an independent shop in your area that does lots of light trucks. My advice is to not go to a big national chain. Although its not always true, they tend to align to a basic spec and leave it at that. Your Suburban wants a lot of caster to track well. There are metal plugs that need to be knocked out of the upper control arm mounts to get the extra caster. If your at 80,000mi or more, the steering gear needs to be adjusted (10 min job). That, and a quick check of the toe adjustment should take the wander out. If you have put 18" rims or some other big tires on it and have run them for 60K mi or more you're goint to need most of the front end parts replaced. Here's the list (Lower ball joints, lower control arm bushings, outer tie rod ends, idler arm, pitman arm (upper and lower half). The front ends are fine with stock wheels and tires, but they don't hold up well with bigger ones. I have just been through the same thing, and finally have it drivign linke new again. If you want to talk some more about this drop me an e-mail. power_shift_it@_nospam_hotmail.com (Just take out the _nospam_ to reach me.) Good luck. Scott