2001 Ford Mustang V6, Wobbling While Driving

by Matt Jones
(Phoenix, AZ USA)

Wondering about a bit of swerve and bounce. I've had the tires balanced, four-wheel alignment, suspension checked (good)and a bum tire replaced (new) No-one seems to be able to tell me what the problem is. Could it be steering fluid or something of that nature rather than something more serious? Could it be my mods? I have a few mods (since 2006) JET Performance chip, K@N CAI, and a few other small ones. They never seemed to be a problem though. I noticed it after driving the vehicle from NC to Arizona (where I live now) I've had the car looked at and worked on, yet they all tell me its fine. It just seems much bumpier and harder to control than it used to be. Very strange...

Thanks

Matt J.

Steve Says,

Normally this type of problem is caused by incorrect alignment angles or worn suspension components. It sounds like you have had all of that checked. I think the first thing I would do is take it to get a second opinion maybe even a third. If you know there is something not right with your car, then you should find a mechanic that will help you find what it is.

It is unlikely that is has anything to do with the power steering fluid. It is possible that it is a problem with the steering linkage or a tie rod end. Usually there are other symptoms that go along with it if that is the case, but it is possible.

This does not sound like something that any engine mod would affect, but possible a suspension mod. It is even possible that the alignment was not done correctly because of your mods so you might want to have that re-checked as well.

It might also have to do with a wheel bearing problem. Sometimes they start to go bad and make it so the tires can wobble while you are driving. If you want to check them just jack your car up and try to move the wheels up and down. There should be very little play there. If there is a lot then you need to have them checked. You can also move your tires side to side. If there is a lot of play in them then you might have a tie rod end that is going bad.

This is about the best I can do without being able to look at the car. The only other thing you might try is a website called JustAnswer. They have factory certified techs and there are about 20 Ford techs all on this one website. They should be able to point you in the right direction. If you would like to try that just type your question into the box below: