Pulling Hard Right

[Buckru]

Let me start by saying I appreciate all the info and knowledge I have gained by being a lurker on this board. I have usually been able to answer my own questions through the search function, except for this one.
My truck is pulling hard to the right, which has gotten worse with time. I am beginning to notice a definate tread wear on the outside edge of the tire (front passenger). I had the front end alligned but was told the camber could not be adjusted. Dumba$$ at the shop suggested I just rotate my tires. Theres a real fix for the problem. I have checked to see if any additional brake dust over normal, nope. So I dont think its a brake issue. I jacked it up and there is no play in the tire at 12/6 or 3/9. I did a front bearing pack (both sides) about two months ago. I didnt have a fish scale so I tourqed to 1lb below spec to be safe. I didnt think it would be tire pull, as a recent thread mentioned, due to the tire wear. My only guess is the suspension is wearing out and might be the cause (getting a feeling of the truck wallering around a bit).
My truck is a stock 97 with 125,000 miles. No lift yet and riding on 31's. If i had to guess, I have 10% tread left on the tires. Wish I knew what a locker was before I bought it.

Thanks for any help
Buck

 

[cruiserdan]

The only way to eliminate tire pull as a cause is to swap the tires side-to-side and see what happens. The wear could be part of the pull.

 

[Buckru]

Dan,

When you say side to side. Are you saying swap front and rear same side or swap passenger to driver?

ThanksBuck

 

[landtoy80]

Swap the dr side to pass side. If the pull is now to the left then its the tire.
I had a hard pull to the left on the turd, 20 miles later the tire blew in half. It had a damaged belt, at least thats what the tire dude said.

You got a pic of the tire?

 

[Buckru]

Kurt,

Unfortunately no. I dont have a digital just an old all metal body pentax 35mm. Its tough like a cruiser though. I will try the swap as you and Dan suggested.

Buck

 

[CruisinGA]

After I did the front axle service on my 40 I began to get quite a bit of chunking on one front tire. Turned out I did not have the wheel bearings torqued properly. Was also creating quite a bit of high speed shimmy, and some pull.

I would suggest in addition to what others have suggested that you get a fish scale and check preload a la the FSM as soon as possible.

 

[landtank]

Pentax K1000? I'd do the tire swap thing first. Doubt seriously that the fish scale will help your problem.

 

[CruisinGA]

Just an idea, would've helped me (he also mentioned he left the torque on the light side)

Tire swap is easier, do the easiest first anyway.

 

[Buckru]

Land Tank

No, its a 1983 Pentax ME Super. Ive carried that thing in my backpack since then and havent had a single problem with it. Yes I do need to get a fish scale.

Buck

 

[tucker74]

Yes I do need to get a fish scale.
Buck

I picked one up at the local sporting goods store for under $10 ... doesn't have to be anything fancy. I'd go through the bearing seating/re-torque procedure and swap front tires side to side....

Tucker

 

[cruiserdan]

I picked one up at the local sporting goods store for under $10 ... doesn't have to be anything fancy. I'd go through the bearing seating/re-torque procedure and swap front tires side to side....

Tucker

DO NOT get a Bass fisherman's scale. You will NEVER get the proper reading. You could set it a 40 lbs and undo it with yer pinky.........

 

[tucker74]

LOL - all it has to do is pull the stud before it gets to 12 lbs....

Tucker

 

[reffug]

DO NOT get a Bass fisherman's scale. You will NEVER get the proper reading. You could set it a 40 lbs and undo it with yer pinky.........

Is this based on personal experience Dan? In VA we actually tell the true weight of our fish.....................

 

[Buckru]

Ive backpacked and fished all over and have yat to find an honest fisherman, when describing the one that got away.

 

[PHAEDRUS]

buck,
have you done anyting with the trunion bearings yet???
just a thought if you camber is what is out this is the most likely culprit. as it is I would rotate the tires (if the problem is not isloated to a tire issue through the aformentioned test) till they are all shot and save up some $$ for some new ones. but if your camber is out it is adjustable it just involves tearing apart the whole front end.
Dave
edited to kep -B- form beating on me

 

[Beowulf]

>> I had the front end alligned but was told the camber could not be adjusted. <<

Toe-in is the measurement you're looking for with one side pulling. If the problem does not move with the tyre then check the toe-in. If your toe-in was in spec and the alignment was recent then it might be the wheel bearings or the trunion bearings as you've been told above.

edited to kep -B- form beating on me

You're pulling my leg.

-B-

 

[landtank]

One thing not mentioned is a possible brake problem. We all seem to be focussing on tire/alignment because of the wear on that tire but could be you have 2 separate issues.

 

[Buckru]

When I had the front end aligned, the toe in did need a little adjustment. Is was corrected but the hard pulling was not. I have not gone any farther into the axle other than repacking the front bearings.
As far as the trunion bearing, I'm not real clear on what it does and I dont have my FSM with me at the office to reference. So I cant really ask concise questions at the moment.
With regards to the brake possibility. I am under the impression if it were the brakes, there would be excess dust on the rim of the corner in question? Since it pulls right I'm assuming it would be fr/r passenger side.
I have not had a chance to swap sides yet, but that will happen this evening.
I really appreciate all the help and Ideas yall (from Texas) have given me.

Thanks, Buck

 

[Beowulf]

(from Texas)

Best to keep that kind of infomation to yourself.

Rick's correct in that it could be a sticky caliper and you wouldn't necessarily see more brake dust. That's not a reliable indicator of a problem as there are too many variables.

-B-

 

[reffug]

I have not had a chance to swap sides yet, but that will happen this evening.
Thanks, Buck

If your gonna come out dude thats fine but please do it in chat..........