My car (93 SE DOHC auto) developed strange problem lately - when I do WOT on hwy it downshifts and starts pulling to the right so I have to turn steering wheel to the left about 10-15 degrees to compensate. When it shifts back my steering wheel is already turned to the left so it pulls to the left until I return steering wheel back to straight position. I put it on the stands and checked ball joints, rods, LCAs - everything seems tight. I tried to put it into N on hwy and rev the engine - it had no effect so this is definitely not power steering related.

What can it be?

 

sounds exactly like LCA bushings, on the right side. that's always how and were it happens.

 

I had them replaced about year ago. The old ones were really bad but I didn't feel this effect this much ... Anyway, thanks for the hint, I'll check them more closely as my PS developed leak right over the new bushing .

 

The update - you were correct, it was due to bad LCAs, actually on both sides . I had to fix PS leak first before replacing them. The left LCA had sh!tty bushing which was replaced about a year ago - its internal steel part completely separated from the rubber. I did installation myself and tightened everything while jacking up the wheel off the ground so it pretty much corresponded 'wheel on the ground' state as required. The right LCA was soaked in PS fluid but was still holding OK.

 

torque steer is when torque is unevenly distributed to the ground. what causes this is the uneven lengths of the front halfshafts...ha school..

 

You lost me here - what uneven length of half shafts has to do with car pulling anywhere? Maximas (and others) have 'support bearing' on a longer side probably just for the purpose of these discussions...