Jeep: 89 jeep cher. pulls to the right., drainage issues, rotation cycle

Question
1989 Jeep Cher, 4.0 slight pull to the right when driving.
tire aair pressure good. breaks good.  

Answer
Hey Rex,

First thing, and I'm sure you know this -- have the alignment checked. However, there are a few things to look out for.

First, make sure the test road is completely flat. Often, the best is a long parking lot. Most roads are designed with what is called Road Crown, mainly for drainage issues. The highest point in the road is the middle, so it's often normal to have a slight pull to the right. Still, an alignment is the best course -- this can differentiate between tire-wearing (particularly toe and camber) issues and other problems that can contribute.

Also, the brakes may look good, but have you checked for drag? The calipers on these XJ's are notorious for dragging on the rotors, and most are found to be seized (piston). Do yourself a favor and jack up the car, after it's been driven and the pull is verified, and spin each front wheel. Apply the brakes a couple of times, alternatively, and recheck. If each wheel spins freely, then you should be good. Note that this can also manifest as a brake pull as well.

Another easy trick that all alignment guys do first -- swap the two front tires, and drive it. I know, it breaks the rotation cycle of traditional or modified-X, but so what? I've done more than a few alignments, and then driven to find that it's a tire issue after all.

I didn't bring up if anything had happened to initiate this condition (curb-surfing, etc.), but this is more normal than one would think. Sometimes, looking back to what was happening when the issue first presented often is a huge clue to the solution.

Good luck!