Pulls to the left

[Fox2506]

Well, my arm has been getting tired of holding the wheel straight.

I had the alignment done some time ago, and I got a printout of the results. I was told that the caster was off, which of course can't be adjusted. My first thought was that the front left LCA was bad (the lower ball joint is in place but free-spins some). But I'm not jumping into that mess unless I know I have to.

Is there any prime suspect for bad caster on a DeLorean? I suppose there is the slight possibility that something is just installed incorrectly.

I was also wondering if it is possible to shim anything like the sway bar to LCA connection in order to manipulate the caster.

[content22207]

The sway bar holds caster -- your crumple extension is likely bent.

Bill Robertson
#5939

[WelmoedJ]

Like Bill mentioned.
Therefore a question: does your car have the front extension update installed?
This is the re-inforcement at the front of the sway bar mounting points.
2856

BTW: excessive lateral movement of the LCA can be reduced using DMC EU LCA braces.
These are 2 supports that convert the LCA somewhat into an A type arm.
2855

[David T]

Typically if the castor (or camber) is off it means something is bent, broken, worn out or in some way damaged. Instead of trying to "adjust" it back, find and fix the problem. Among the possibilities are:
Problem with the frame
worn upper or lower control arm bushings
worn/ bad ball joints
bent sway bar
bent upper and/or lower control arms

I would not suspect something assembled incorrectly unless it was good and then went bad right after work was done on the front suspension. If you don't know the history on the car is possible so inspect the mounting attachments where the sway bar connects to the frame and the lower control arm.

As suggested start with making sure you have the recall strengthening brackets for the sway bar mounts on the frame. Any good alignment shop should be able to find the problem. If it is as bad as you say, it should be obvious once you start looking.
David Teitelbaum

[Fox2506]

I don't remember exactly how the car handled a few years ago, but I have serviced the suspension multiple times:

New lower ball joints (the left one wore out instantly and I replaced it), lowered suspension, new steering rack, and the sway bar update.

Things that concern me (and make me sick to my stomach) are that the car has been jacked up by the front extension, and it has been towed by the front wheels. I have already had to repair the steering due to the towing. A small metal tab on the right side steering rack retainer broke off and the steering was spongy.

[David T]

With that knowledge it is very likely you have bent lower control arms. Especially if it was severe enough to damage the steering rack! And since you did work it is also possible you did not assemble something right. Lifting the car probably did not do any damage unless the frame is very rotten.
David Teitelbaum

[Fox2506]

Small update.

I just installed the DMCMW stainless steel steering U-joints and noticed a much cleaner feeling turn of the wheel. Easier to turn as well.

But this helped me notice that it is considerably harder to turn right than it is to turn left while driving. This is in addition to the pull to the left.

After a brief inspection, I could find no obvious signs of damage to the suspension other than rust.

[Fox2506]

I found my year old alignment results. It shows the caster is 3 degrees too positive on the right side, but the car pulls to the left. Might this help anyone visualize what is going on? I hope to take it to a shop soon.

Does anyone know offhand how many degrees one DMCH trailing arm shim will add to the toe of the rear?

2963

[Fox2506]

Frame's bent from bottoming out.