Two days ago I had the drivers side axle (and seal) replaced up front as the old one was of the wrong kind and tranny fluid leaked all the time. I got the correct axle from NAPA (for automatic, w/VLSD and ABS), but the moment I drove off the garage with it, there was something very wrong. My steering wheel feels loose, and wobbles like hell right as I start moving. It is okay on a flat surface, but if there are even small bumps on the road, the car pulls to the left quite violently and I have to constantly fight with the wheel to stay straight.

What gives? I know it is of course the axle, but what part of it? Also, have any of you ever tried returning any defective parts to NAPA? Are they b****y about it?

 

Thats NOT an axle problem thats ball joints or tie rod ends... you need to take it back to the shop that did the work asap.

 

But it only started happening within seconds of me leaving the garage after the axle install. How can it not be the axle? Sorry, I am a bit mechanically inclined, but just have no experience with axle work. I need help, ASAP. Thanx.

 

The axle just provides a drive union from transmission to hub, the axle does not control the handling in any way, something was left loose or a ball joint, tie rod end is bad.

Ball joints, tie rods and control arms will affect steering and handling an axle won't.

Take it back to the shop that did the work.

 

Thanx Nozama, now I get it. I had turned around and taken it back to the shop right away after picking it up, but the guy said it had to be the axle. I will take it to another mechanic tomorrow and find out what is really going on. In the meantime, if you or anyone else has anything else to say, please post a reply. I appreciate it! Thanx!

 

As others have stated. Based upon your description it sounds to me like they forgot to put a cotter pin back into one of the castle nuts.

DO NOT DRIVE THE CAR
take it back to them immediately preferably towed. and have them correct this problem immediately

 

Thank you ITM. Trust me, I feel just as panicky about this. It just feels wrong when I'm on the road. I will take it to them first thing in the morning. I hope no permanent damage (bending etc.) can occur due to this.

 

I'd agree with Inter, have the car towed, it's a small price to pay if you consider that if it is a ball joint the lower arm could pop off and leave you with a wheel pushed up into the fender and the left front of the car dragging on the ground.

I work for a towing company and I've picked up enough vehicles with bad ball joints, if it breaks it's not pretty usually.

 

You guys rock! Thanks for the concern. I guess I have really dodged the bullet, as I have been driving it all this time. D***....I had no idea it could be so bad. Earlier I was thinking of making a slow drive to the shop, but now I am definitely getting it towed, no doubt. In fact, I will sign up for AAA online right now and have them pay for it (!). I don't have them currently.

 

hehe, AAA $50 a year and one tow will cost you $50 now all you need is a flat and a jump and you made it worth your while

 

 

Blah AAA is good for the consumer but sucks for the Vendor, we dropped AAA in 1993 when they were paying $13 a tow now they are up to $16.

I usually recommend Cross Country Motor Club, they pay the vendor better and offer better service IMO.

 

Noz and inter.....I took it to a mechanic today; not the one who did the work as he was closed due to a snow storm we had, but to another one. He checked everything and said that it all looks good. Everything is tight as it's supposed to be. He says it must be one of the two joints in the axle. I know CV boots can't cause that as when they go, you usually hear ticking noises while turning, which I don't.

The problem still remains....it is still all wobbly and pulling to the left on every bump. What do you guys have to say? Now it is pi****g me off. What the heck can it be?

As always, thanx.

 

any ideas, anyone?

 

Well ya got me stumped, only way I'd be sure now is to look at the car and you don't want to drive to North Dakota we had 15 inches of snow on Sunday.

 

Get a 3rd or 4th opinion....it wasn't doing that before you took it in, so something the first guy did (or didn't) do has to be causing the problem.