Front end "loose"

[Scooby]

2009 Toyota Camry SE
116k miles (bought it with 101k miles)

Front end feels very loose. Loose over bumps, follows road imperfections, etc.

I had a FE alignment, but still pulls to right. Tire shop said alignment is good, tires are not. Not sure if the tires can be causing all this.

As far as I know, all parts are original.

What should I look at replacing/ diagnosing.

 

[cknight49090]

They likely checked for worn components before that did the alignment I would think tires.

 

[charbaby]

Switch the two front tires from one side to the other and see if it pulls the other way! This will tell you if you're getting "Radial Pull". After you have determined the radial pull, rotate your tires front to back(as described in your OM) and see if the "loose feeling" changes!

Do you hear any noises over the bumps that you described?

Folling the imperfections of the road is kind of a Camry and Toyota trait. But yes, it certainly could be the tires!

 

[Traction]

Front end alignment can be done with worn shocks and bad sway bar bushings or end links. Did they set the rear alignment? Not knowing what tires, condition, and pressure I would start there. The Camry requires a GOOD V speed rated tire which the originals were. T rated tires can make them wander like a drunk sailor.

 

[Scooby]

If I switch left front and right front, it does pull the opposite way.

It seems that over speed bumps or hitting potholes result in a thud at times AND it makes the steering wheel dart around.

 

[charbaby]

Yes, if there is radial pull!

You may also be in need of suspension parts, typicaly control arm(s)/ball joint(s). Or other parts! And, it is about time for some new struts.

 

[zzyzzx]

Struts are probably shot at that mileage if still the originals.

 

[wkshank]

Same thing was going on with our 2005 Stratus plus had a squeaking noise that was getting worse with time. Had car checked by several different places and was told every time everything was tight, no problems found. Found out the hard way one morning in town the problem when the right lower ball joint completely separated.

 

[Scooby]

The tires are Toyo Extensa's.

I guess I'll start throwing parts at it, but it's gonna get real expensive.

 

[Merkava_4]

The first thing you need to do is find a good frame and wheel shop and have them check for worn parts. They have way more experience with chassis and suspensions than your typical tire shop does.

 

[Papa Bear]

Originally Posted By: Scooby
Tire shop said alignment is good,


Let's see a copy of the alignment printout.

 

[charbaby]

Originally Posted By: Scooby
The tires are Toyo Extensa's.

I guess I'll start throwing parts at it, but it's gonna get real expensive.


Only put in the parts that you need now! Most likely it's front struts and (maybe) control arms! Along with another 4 wheel alignment. Make sure it's a 4 wheel alignment, not just front wheel alignment. I think what you got was a 4 wheel alignment but you used the term..."Front Wheel Alignment"!

Most alignment do the alignment that is required on a vehilce from the manufacture

 

[Scooby]

I've noticed that the steering feels "loose" much of the time. Much like the front end is "light". No big loads in trunk, this has been this way since I bought it 8 months ago along with the other issues.

Does this help narrow the issue?

Haven't had time to get anything done yet, but hopefully will within next 2 weeks before vacation.