protege 5 jerks to the left after alignment?

[jeffietoon]

So I had my alignment done on my black p5 and it's all within specs... However periodically the car jerks to the left. Any thoughts? And It isn't around the shift points ( it's an automatic)

 

[diss3ntienc]

is it jerking hard or moving slightly to the left? If moving slightly, its because of the curve of the roads. depending on what side of the curve youre driving on, your car might sometimes start to move towards that side.

 

[rit14623]

So I had my alignment done on my black p5 and it's all within specs... However periodically the car jerks to the left. Any thoughts? And It isn't around the shift points ( it's an automatic)

Are you applying the brakes or accelerating during these times or just cruising?

 

[jeffietoon]

Just cruising... and it's a pretty hard jerk not a pull,

 

[JesseM]

Doesn't the alignment shop have a warranty on their work?

 

[jeffietoon]

I'm sure they do haven't been able to get back by tree was planning to today but looks like maybe tomorrow

 

[pcb]

I'd say lift up the front end and check for play and slack in the steering and suspension.

You might have a bad ball joint, tie rod end, steering rack, bearing, etc.

Grab the wheels while they're in the air and shake them hard. A pinch bar on the control arm can check for movement at the ball joints.

 

[tweety2300]

Next time it does it jerk it to the right real hard. Will be good for a little bit

 

[P-Funk!]

Huh?

Does not sound like good advice to me!

Take it back to the shop and describe the issue. Don't 'tell them what to fix' ie. give me another alignment' let them diagnose.

Do it NOW!
Before the accident!

 

[tweety2300]

Huh?

Does not sound like good advice to me!

Take it back to the shop and describe the issue. Don't 'tell them what to fix' ie. give me another alignment' let them diagnose.

Do it NOW!
Before the accident!

Mine did it because of worn strut mount bearings ( according to Mazda tech) the spring would in settle and and cause it to pull from side o side, the jerking would seat it and be normal. That explanation never made sense to me but I couldn't figure it out and took it to Mazda and that is what they told me and that it is a problem with 3rd gens

Btw being out of alignment won't cause an accident unless you're an idiot

 

[P-Funk!]

Huh! ok.

 

[seventystangfan]

Bad steering rack or worn suspension components. +1 on not telling the mechanic what he needs to fix, just describe the symptoms. Reputable shops want to remain reputable, and having a great customer makes things a whole lot easier. To me it does sound like a bad rack and possibly pump. If the pump intermittently cuts in and creates too much pressure on one side of the "power assist" rack and pinion steering it would "jerk" your wheels to one side. Bad steering components will lead to a wreck, so be careful

 

[P-Funk!]

^yep. That is quite possible.

The 'hard jerk' to one side concerns me (and the over steer possibility) makes this a priority fix for the OP (IMHO).