My car is pulling hard to the right even during coasting.

To drive straight the steering wheel is perhaps 10 degrees to the left, and once I let go of the wheel the car just sways to the right.

Do I just have to get an alignment or could it be something else like control arm?

TIA

 

Check your ball joints.

 

Crushinator nailed it, check your ball joints

 

Check ball joints and control arm bushings before buying just ball joints. I had the same symptoms, changed out the balljoints, and ended up having to purchase new control arms that included new balljoints because the control arm bushings were shot. Save yourself some money and replace all in one shot if you can and if this is the issue.

 

theres a kit on Ebay that i used last summer, new control arms, tie rods, and ball joints for around $100ish. comes with bushings, thats what i used and got it done in one whack

 

if you aren't sure what to look for, alot of places offer free alignment checks. you can ask 'em to check while they're under there for what's bad.

on bushings and balljoints.
if they are bad on that side, fix the power steering leak, or you'll be doing it again, all too soon (grumble...mumble...stupid experience lessons...)

 

yeah. I think I need to find those places in NYC.

Saw some Youtube videos on checking ball joint, have to jack up the car and wiggle the wheel. But even if thats the problem, I don't think I can tackle this problem and change the control arms & ball joints.

 

Control arms and ball joints on the maximas arent hard to change out if your mechanically inclined.

 

yeah, but my mechanical skills are probably limited to a suspension swap. Anything beyond, I'm afraid I can't put back the pieces

 

You mean like doing this? Lmfao I can dismantle and put my whole front end suspension without a problem and I could take a month between disassembling and reassembling it and not miss a part from being put back together. Seriously the maxima suspension is easy.

Not trying to be mean or pick on you but believe me compared to cars with sub frames that you have to drop the maxima is easy.

 

promise it's not too hard. do you know anyone who is mechanically handy? offer 'em beer or pizza, in exchange for guidance (maybe help if you get stuck).
about a dozen nuts and bolts to swap 'em out (the complete control arm, that is).
balljoint is fun, but not as hard as you may think at first. I did mine last time with hand tools, no power/air tools (and a torque wrench, very important).

if you still aren't sure, it may be best to take it to a mechanic (or friend). I know it's colder than hell (or west texas, same thing), and it's hard to wrench right now.
but if possible, diy, or help someone do it.

edit: bwahaha! nice pics, elusive.
which reminds me, I highly recommend doing this job both sides at once, if possible. the left side will start doing the same thing, just not as bad, until it's replaced.

 

Exhibit A ball joint three 17mm lower nuts and the top is either 19 or 21.

Maxima suspensions are easy to work on I've replaced all suspension components on my maxima in the front and just struts on the rear as the rest is fine but plan on going with upgrade rear suspension parts when I can.

 

nice, thanks for the detailed pics...

I'm probably the most mechanically inclined amongst my friends. Wish you guys were in NYC =)

I experimented with changing brake pads, rotors, calipers. But yeah, the most I've done is suspension work without any power tools. And my hand slipped off the ratchet, boy it was bloody.

 

Try doing this one without removing the engine from the car and down and back up in three hours. Not an easy task but possible. Done it but not the funnest thing to do.

 

If you can do brakes then you should be able to do ball joints, sway links and the control arms. If you don't have a repair manual then go copp one before you start and that will guide you threw the job. I don't need a repair manual for most of the jobs I do but always have one handy in case I might need it for specs or something I forget, best 20 bucks you'll invest in yo ride.

 

Duralast ball joint part #FA1528 with tax 32.50 limited lifetime warranty.

 

Sounds like you have some suspension components that are severly worn....Why create a thread unless you've looked and inspected your suspension already and you found nothing.......We have a tendency on this org to envoke the thoughts of others as to "what it could be"....when all you need to do is jack your car up and inspect your suspension components that will affect your directional stability and behavior.....tierods, balljoints, LCA bushing and strut mounts......Got a jack and some stands? Then get after it MAN!!!!!
Hint: A large screwdriver/prybar/jack handle will help load and unload suspension component when checked for wear....Have fun.....

 

Looks like you could use some of these all as well!!!!!