thajones

iTrader: (4)

Would a bad control arm/bushing cause my car to pull to the right when accelerating? When I let off the gas it's like the pull goes away and it will drive straight easily.

Pep Boys told me that it was just torque steer and not a whole lot I could do about it, but it seems like something just ain't right. It's not like yank-the-steering-wheel-from-my-hand kinda pull, but unmistakeable nonetheless.

Greeny

iTrader: (43)

Yup....Mine does the same thing ...Right side control arm bushing is bad.....Usually the cause of the bushing failure is oil or power steering fluid leaking onto the bushings.....Fix the leak first, then the bushing....

Stay away from pep boys....Most of them people can't fix a bologna sandwich......

Wiking

Yes -and or- lower ball joint.

Theres also a TSB for similar pull issue, power steering related.
http://maxima.theowensfamily.com/tsb

chaosx44

That is exactly what my problem was, both the control arm bushing and ball joint badly needed to be replaced on my left side, and mine was the yank the steering wheel from your hand kinda pull and i was scared to death to drive it. Any yes...my problem was caused by a gushing rear main seal leak. I was able to get both replaced for $150.00 parts and labor.

90pearlSE

I have the same problem with the steering pull...figured it was the ball joints or bushing. I think this is also related to my speed dependant vibration - between 65-75mph it feels like a tire out of balance or something. I know the balance/alignment is right, so hopefully I'll kill two birds with one stone when I do the ball joints and bushings.

internetautomar

iTrader: (30)

if you're doing the ball joint and bushings then just get a complete arm.

dtahsee

I had the same speed dependant vibration problem that you mention. Had a bad lower control arm, and that also messed up my front tires. New lower control arms, new tires and an alignment have fixed the problem. So, you might wanna get your stuff checked out before any damage is done to your tires.