Hello, I have a 1999 escort van which I have fitted new (second hand) wheels to. I had the wheels balanced and the tracking checked which kwik fit said was out, I then took if for a spin, but it is still veering to the left. I took it back to kwik fit who checked everything again and said tracking was spot on!! Anyone know what else this could be before i take the expensive plunge and go to a main dealer!!
Cheers in advance

A good independant would be better.

Also bear in mind that all roads have a camber which means that water rolls off the centre of the road toward the edges - all cars will pull to a certain extent to the left as thats the way of the camber and the way the tyres will wear.

If its a bad pull and the tracking has been checked it would seem as though the steering has been put out of line more seriously.

Have you had all four wheels done or just the front? When doing all 4 they also line up the front and rears as well as across each axle.

Cheers for your help, ive had all four wheels balanced and tracking done on all four too. It is definately quite a strong pull to the left, i do not think it is road camber.
What part of the steering do you think it could be?
Cheers Mark

There's several things it could be, at the most simple it could have been just been knocked badly out of line by say kerbing it, or it could have a broken or bent piece of the steering - as Bamford suggests, get a decent Independent Garage to have a look before going to a main dealer...

Hi b308, i had the van in at a Ford garage yesterday who did a "four wheel alignment" they said that the back was out by 15 degs, and it is likely to be a worn rear spring leaf, they suggest replacing both at a cost of £ 500!!

Get a second opinion, Pidge!!!

Nox, have you any thoughts on this?

I know it sounds simple but check your tyre pressures. A low front left tyre pressure will make the car pull to the left. Also if the front left brake is binding it may pull also, so check the pads on both front wheels for unequal wear or excessive brake dust on the left wheel.

Good point and tyre wear would give a clue as well.

Cheers guys, the tyre pressures are spot on, I have not checked the brakes (visually), but they do not pull to one side when they are applied, I will check them later today. What do you reckon re the leaf springs being worn? The van does look like it has dropped a bit to the left hand side at the back, and I suppose it could have had heavy loads in it for years.

can anyone please help with this?? brakes seems fine but still pulling to left, what do you reckon about the rear leaf springs being worn and causing the the veering prob? Could a worn leaf spring cause the axle to move and go out of alignment? Any help would be great, i really do not want to spend loads on new springs if it not necessary. Thanks Mark

I'd upgrade to a newer van, mate!

I have only just upgraded to this van!! Someone help please!