Well I dropped my MAX off at the dealers today on the way to work because of a steering issue that has recently come up, and I was looking to get any feedback you guys might have. It’s a 2001 Anniv. with 20,000 miles on it, and it has been pulling to the right. I hit a large hole about a week ago with my right front tire (construction hole 8'x5' and 7+" deep that they "forgot" to mark off over night). Now normally I would say no big deal and just have an alignment done, but in this case, not only does the car pull right, but I have some 'play' in the steering wheel. This 'play' is most noticeable on the highway, and actually feels pretty scary above 80mph. I have to drive with the wheel cocked left, but yet I can move the wheel 2-3 degrees clockwise or counter-clockwise without the car moving either way. In addition, from time to time when I am on the highway the steering wheel will feel as though it wants to 'walk' back and forth, 2 degrees left 2 degrees right, and so on. I apologize for the length of this, I just wanted to make sure I got you guys as much information as possible, and I really appreciate and feedback any of you might have. Thanks

-Keith

 

The play could be the tie rod end. You probably toasted it when you hit the hole. You may have also bent the lower control arm. Lets see what the Dealer says when they look at it. Post again when you hear back from them.