Steering jerks when hitting bump

[Trystofixalot]

I have a 1999 ford ranger 4X4 3.0 v6. I just replaced the rack and lower control arm. its first time I have done so and I am pretty good with automobiles. my issue is, after replacing and doing a test drive. when I hit a bump it almost put me in the ditch. I also noticed that the left front wheel is squarking like it is doing a burnout. steering wheel just doesn't feel like it should. any help would be helpful.

 

[ab_slack]

Seems you changed things that could have seriously affected alignment.

Toe-in is off in a major way and there is some serious wheel drag going on?

Something not seated or tightened properly and is moving in ways it shouldn't?

 

[Trystofixalot]

I have adjusted the toe in and toe out. made sure all joints were seated. I have read about 'vacuuming' air out of the steering system. you know anything about that?

 

[Trystofixalot]

and adjusting the toe in and out, had same affect with no good change.

 

[john93rangerstx]

Get a aliment

 

[ab_slack]

I have read about 'vacuuming' air out of the steering system. you know anything about that?

Only think I have seen relates to getting air bubbles out of power steering fluid. I wouldn't think that would have effect on steering.

Again I tend to think alignment. I guess to replace the lower control arm you had to pull the spindle and everything. Wheel bearing issue? Not sure of the front end configuration of what you got there, if separate shock (not struts) possibly shock not connected or somehow failed completely letting one side bounce? Can anybody watch as you drive short distance to see if there any wheel wobble?

Never dealt with steering issue on our 99 so I don't have any really good suggestions.

 

[armadillon]

As everyone else has stated, you're due for an alignment. What you're experiencing is what we call "bump steer."

If it the problem remains after you get one done, post up. We can speculate all day, but you know you need one and it most likely will eliminate the problem.

Should be about $50.

 

[Trystofixalot]

I replaced the rack also. the worm gear inside the old rack was stripped. I will get an alignment and see how that goes. that was what I was leaning towards. I just wanted to make sure I didn't do something wrong. I am pretty good at fixing issues even with vehicles that I don't drive.

 

[doorgunner]

I replaced the rack also. the worm gear inside the old rack was stripped. I will get an alignment and see how that goes. that was what I was leaning towards. I just wanted to make sure I didn't do something wrong. I am pretty good at fixing issues even with vehicles that I don't drive.

Take a pic of the front end sitting on a driveway or level ground.......kneel don to take the pic so you get a straight-on pic of both wheels......post it for us to look at......take a pic from under the truck of the parts that you repaired-replaced.

 

[96Indyram]

simple fix....quit hitting bumps. LOL
yep sounds like a alignment is needed.