My car’s front end sways

Question:

I have been going crazy with the steering in my 1957 Chevy. I took it to a garage and they said there is no problem with it. He has replaced the steering with a power assist rack-and-pinion system. They also installed a complete front end sway bar and new shocks, and realigned the front wheels.

The problem is that the car still has the front end sway in it. Can you help?

Answer:

It’s logical to assume that the front end sway is not the result of a problem in the new steering rack. It can, however, be due to sloppiness elsewhere in the steering system or suspension. Have you inspected the ball joints, control arm bushings and front wheel bearings? What about the steering column and its linkage?

Don’t overlook the possibility that the front end sway is being caused by a problem in the rear of the car. If the rear wheels are not staying true then they will “steer” the car. Look for play in the rear wheel bearings and rear spring shackles.

And finally, don’t overlook the very real possibility that the front end sway may be caused by a problem with the tires. If the tires are worn unevenly, can’t be balanced properly, or are otherwise defective, they may be causing the car to wander as it drives down the highway. Also on the subject of tires, it is worth mentioning that high-quality, modern radials will feel considerably better than old-technology bias ply tires in terms of front end wander.