Sway bar bushings/tire points outward??

[montijo505]

Hey guys and gals, so I noticed today one of my sway bar bushings is shot

What do yoh guys recommend as far as replacements? Heard energy or prothane are good, also how hard of a job is it? Then while under there I noticed my front driver side tire points slightly outward as if my wheel was turned a bit to the left while my pasenger front remains straight. Dont know if you can tell in the picture

What would cause this? Alignment? I know my upper ball joints are starting to leak, would this affect it? Thanks in advance.

 

[HokieRunner]

The bushing swap is a very simple job. The other issue shouldn't be due to the upper ball joint. If the tires aren't aligned it's most likely the toe is not in spec and you'll need an alignment. Worn tie rods could be a contributing factor.

 

[montijo505]

The bushing swap is a very simple job. The other issue shouldn't be due to the upper ball joint. If the tires aren't aligned it's most likely the toe is not in spec and you'll need an alignment. Worn tie rods could be a contributing factor.

Thanks, will have to take it back to firestone and have them fix it, it pulls to the left slightly, guess that's why!

 

[montijo505]

How do I check the tie rods? Also noticed when I brake it pulls more, could this be the infamous seized pistons in the calipers?

 

[BlackWorksInc]

How do I check the tie rods? Also noticed when I brake it pulls more, could this be the infamous seized pistons in the calipers?

It could be, alignment might also affect this depending on whether or not the vehicle already pulls in that direction.

Tie rods are somewhat easy to check with the vehicle in the air. You basically keep the steering wheel locked/secured straight ahead and grab the wheel at 3 & 9 o'clock and wiggle it (not 12 & 6 like you'd check for a wheel bearing.) What you're doing is looking for play in the tie rods/steering rack, you need to get used to the feeling between the steering rack physically moving and slop, so it may not be something you catch at first.

 

[montijo505]

Researched but couldn't find a definitive answer, I have an 08 sr5 v6 4x4, what size bushings do I need front and rear? Thanks