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No, not at all, just driving down the road... maybe when the road is a bit uneven, or a little bump in the road. My dad is a retired mechanic, said it doesn't sound like the ball joints. I'm just trying to get some idea of how much this will cost us to fix, & if it's even worth the trouble. If not, will be looking for a new car, as we can borrow the money from my dad until tax return time. I am a stay-at-home mom as my 2 year old has cerebral palsy, so money is reallllly tight.
No, it did a few times BEFORE he replaced them, and sorry no clue what a toe is. It did it the other day when I drove home, I thought it might have been the wet road as it was raining, but it wasn't.
Did it feel like you were sliding on ice? What condition are the front tires in? How much tread is left?
Well....if your ball joints were worn out I'd think that could cause a shimmy in your front end, no?
Between your dad and your husband you guys could probably replace the ball joints. Didn't you say your husband replaced the tie rod? If he can do that couldn't he handle the ball joints?
Yes actually that's what it reminded me of, when you hit a patch of ice in the road!
Sounds like you were hydroplaning. If the tread on the tires is worn out then the rain water has nowhere to escape and the tire actually gets up on top of the water and loses traction. Feels like riding on ice.
Sorry I didn't answer the question about the tread, the tires are brand new, we got them when he replaced the tie rods & got them alligned. it happened the first time when it was raining, but then again when it was totally dry.
I have a Ford Escort station wagon ('93 I think?) and we had the tie rods replaced a few months ago. When we took it to get alligned ,they said the ball joints were going out, but we couldn't afford to get it fixed. Now when I drive it, the tires will catch, & swerve,if that makes any sense. Anyone have a clue what it could be? Husband is NO mechanic, & is clueless. Would appricitae any help!
Quote:
Originally Posted by KsStorm
I'm not driving it anymore, so go lecture someone else.
Get off your high horse, if you read your post you said "NOW WHEN I drive it, the tires will catch and swerve". Where does that say you parked it? That would sound like you still have it on the road to anyone who understands English. You then go on to say it happened when it was raining and the road was wet, and then it wasn't raining and the road was dry. Sounds like either you are full of BS or still driving it.
Just pointing out why you should park it, not a lecture at all.
I have no association with the company in the link provided. But that's less than $100 in parts. If you could get your Dad and Husband to replace them at home you'd save a ton.
When you are maneuvering around a parking lot or doing any tight turning do you hear the front end popping?
The shimmy you're talking about is a symtom as well.
Jack the front end of the car up and see if you can pull the front wheels have any play in them. That's another give away.
....not to mention the alignment shop already told you the ball joints were bad.....
For safety's sake, have it looked at by a shop or maybe a friend who knows about cars. There's a number of things it could be but it needs to be checked out by someone who knows what they're doing.
Not trying to put you off, but we can go on all day about what it might be, but until it's looked at it's all guesswork.
Hope this helps and good luck. Let us know what you find out.
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It did it the other day when I drove home, I thought it might have been the wet road as it was raining, but it wasn't.
