Car: Used 2000 Accord LX with 198,000 miles.

Problem: Car is pulling to the left when driving.

Repairs: Purchased new tires, no change. Tried to get an alingment but shop could not do it. Said the left front tire is back 1/2 inch compared to the right front tire. Suggested there was frame damage.

Took it to a frame repair shop. They measured everything and said the frame was fine, all parts are original.

Took it back to the repair shop and they cannot find anything wrong with the left front suspension. Said everything measure out correctly. They're suggesting installing a full used left side suspension to see if it corrects the tire alingment.

Anyone ever have a similar problem where the tires is back in the wheelwell 1/2 inch but everything looks and measures correctly? I hate to repair this with a blind fix. Any info is much appreciated. Thank you.

 

Do you have original tire sizes on the car?

Pulling is usually a camber issue. What was camber specs from alignment? Camber is not adjustable and adjustment requires fitting a modified connecting bolt between strut and lower arm, or new upper arm w/ adjustable ball jts.

You can measure camber. I bought the following inexpensive tool to check my vehicle camber.

S G Tool Camber Gauges Gauge with Magnetic Adapter ea 61800 | eBay

Note, this doesn't allow you to adjust but will confirm camber. You must measure on level ground or adjust for average cross slope of ground; subtracts from one side and adds to the other.

good luck

 

One tire is back vs. the other side??

There's a radius rod connected to the lower control arm. That rod reaches forwards and fastens into a frame member sorta below the radiator. That attachment point way forwards is easy to overlook. Take a look & see if it's loose, bent or ???

 

Thank you both for your excellent feedback. I'll follow up on your suggestions.