you have to wonder if the tire shop who installed them would be forced to take them back on warranty for that

 

It's just weird how it happened right after the ball joints and shocks were done.

Got the other tire replaced today, it doesn't pull at all. I'm not gonna touch the alignment.

 

Got the other front tire replaced Friday, it doesn't pull at all now, although there is a bit of play in the center. Not gonna mess with the alignment. Still curious what happened to that tire when they changed the ball joints though.

 

Steering slop when centered can be reduced with the adjustment nut on the steering gear box. But there are limits before it starts binding. Its pretty likely that the steering gear box is worn, and is nearing the end of its useful life. Slop on center is where the wear is most evident.

 

If I remember correctly, it's a big straight slot with a lock nut, right?

 

Yeah, Hold the adjusting screw, and loosen the nut. Turn it 1/4 of a turn clockwise, hold it there while tightening the locknut. Take it for a spin and see if it helps. You should have about an inch or so of steering wheel play.

Before you start adjusting the steering box, verify the steering linkages are good. Tie Rod Ends give you the same feeling, and adjusting the steering gear wont resolve the feeling caused by worn TREs.

 

Thanks. The rod ends should be good, the ball joints and shocks were failed during inspection, and they would have said something if they had been bad (as would the tire guys, they've done that to me with other cars before), but I'll give 'em a wiggle anyway. Thanks again, what did we do before internet forums, lol?