2008 Chevy Cobalt pull to the left

DUMBASS0708

MEMBER
2008 CHEVROLET COBALT
4 CYL
FWD
MANUAL
28,000 MILES

At 8000 noticed a slight pull to the left. Before I could get an alignment I slid into a curb in winter. Had rim replaced but tire still good. The steering wheel never lined up after that. Had multiple alignments done to no avail. I have had it checked by them multiple times and still they can't determine real problem. Finally dealer said another rim bad but I know they are reaching and just want 300 to replace.
besides I have my tires rotated and the frtont wheel isn't lining up. 3 separate mechanics looked at it and didn't think frame was bent and they all stated front end good? Maybe frame bent a little and they can't determine? What could be the cause of this. Also at around 50 mph I notice an itermitent humming noise and maybe a very slight vibration. Again dealer thinks rim but I know they are wrong. Besides, they won;t guarenttee that is the problem.

1 Reply

ERNEST CLARK

MECHANIC
1,730 POSTS

It's possible your front sub-frame is bent. But any competent alignment shop would've checked for that once they weren't getting an accurate alignment.

A bad rim will NOT place your steering wheel off center, but it will make your steering wheel shake and your car to pull. Your tie-rods are what's used to align your steering wheel. But having that exactly on center doesn't mean your actual wheels are aligned properly.

The humming and slight vibration could be a failing hub/C.V. Joint/axle shaft. But again, neither of these will place your steering wheel off center.

The dealer may actually see a bad rim. There's a possibility you'll have more than one issue. And having a bent rim will make it impossible to align your car properly.