Ford Ka: Veers right on acceleration. Effect like cross wind hitting the car. Is it the steering rack?

Question

The car steers and runs ok until sudden acceleration then it reacts like a cross wind has hit it. Alarming at speed on the motorway.

Answer 1

sounds like wishbone bushes

Answer 2

No this is called torque steering, on most front wheel cars the two drive shafts are different lengths. When you accelerate hard the length difference results in the car pulling to one side.

Ja.

Answer 3

100% bottom wishbone bushes...

Answer 4

torque steer, bold tyres, wheels might need tracking done. take it to a qwik fit

Answer 5

Sounds like it could be a track rod end that is worn out and needs replacing. Or possibly the track control arm bushing, you need to get it looked at by a competent mechanic. If either have to be replaced, you will need the tracking checking so as to avoid premature tyre wear.It will not cost a fortune and your car will feel so much better to drive.

Answer 6

sorry jas but your wrong on this one....its either the bottom wishbones gone or a wobbly strut....i bet if you desselerate hard using the engine it will pull the other way?..also youll be constantly compensaiting on the stearing wheel when changing gears...right?..

wishbones or a strut.....my moneys on the bottow susspention arms[wishbone]

Answer 7

I have had the same experience in my Ford Escort, it veered to the right under sudden acceleration and to the left under heavy braking.

Turned out to be the ball joints were worn, these are part of the wishbone on an escort.

Price fitted is about £50 each side or £20 each side for the parts if you are going to do it yourself.  Should be about the same for a Ka.

Answer 8

It will be alarming, it can also indicate a problem with one of your drive shafts, or, if the car was involved in an accident, some serious structural damage to the car.

Answer 9

most fords eat lower suspension arm bushes.. non power steering or power steering will be asked when you buy the arms usually its the rear of the two bushes that gives the problem..