How should they feel?
Replaced my bushings a few weeks ago and since then my steering feels... broken.

First thing that happened was the front drivers strut mount started squeaking (in the AM hours only). And the car pulled to the left with a heavy steering wheel wobble at higher speeds.

Took it back to the shop. everything was checked and looked/felt right. So the front wheels were checked, they were way out of balance (but felt perfectly fine before the bushings were changed). Wheels were balanced.

Also one wheel had a slight curve/bend in it, wasn't perfectly straight. But my guy told me it was no big deal, they come from the factory like that, or you hit a pot hole, it's not a huge warp in it that would affect tire life or performance, just harder to balance. That front strut mount was also lubed, killed the squeak.

Right off the bat, I noticed the steering was heavier - good. But it also caught every groove in the road and the steering would push and pull to drive in those ridges, even the small ones. Is this normal?

2 weeks later, the strut squeak is back, my car sort of drifts to the left, and my steering wheel doesn't sit 100% straight. The MINI emblem on the wheel (and that stitch at the top of the steering wheel where the seams meet) sit 2 degrees to the left (Counter clockwise). If I straighten it out, the car will drift wayyyy right.

I'm probably making a big deal out of nothing, but it all just feels weird.

 

Was this a Mini dealer? Or an independent? If the latter, are they experienced in all things Mini?

 

He's independent. Knows his German cars though.
I don't think the techs at Mini are "experienced in all things Mini" from the stories I hear.

 

Sounds like maybe alignment is out. Steering wheel not lining up, pulling to the left?

 

I don't think new lower control arm bushings should affect the alignment that bad (per OP's account) since they locate the arm when the suspension moves...

 

He told me the alignment should be the same or better than before with the new bushings.

I didn't notice any of this before with the worn bushings. the only problems I had was extreme torque steer, and when I hit a bump the car would change direction slightly.

Now any divet in the pavement, rut in the road, or grooves or any change to shape in the road, my wheels just catch them and follow. Sort of like trammling or wandering but more extreme.

 

Sounds like alignment to me too.

 

What are the alignment specs? Sounds like the toe has changed, more toe-out then before.

 

Sounds to me like you have an alignment and tire wear issue. Have you checked tread wear on the tires? If the alignment was off due to worn bushings for a considerable time, the worn tires may continue to pull even after an alignment is done. I just had Powerflex bushings and an alignment done on my '03 S and everything is working as it should- no pulling or tramlining. I'd keep looking...

 

So I need new tires + alignment. Or just an alignment?

 

Unless the tires have some serious and obvious wear just alignment.

 

I am thinking that Quick has it right. Your front toe settings may have a toe out condition which would give you the problems you describe. I would start with an alignment.
Steve

 

Thanks. I'll try an alignment.