300C pull to the right

[elrod]

My 300C has the dreaded pull to the right. SuperDave sent me a link to a discussion board that touches on this as a TSB FROM Chrysler. (Thanks Dave). My dealer does not SHOW any active TSB for a "pull to the right", however. I have an appointment on Thursday to get it looked at. DOes anyone else have this problem? By the way, I have been checking here everyday for the TSB:

http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/tsb/tsbsearch.cfm

[Jerry C]

Hi folks,
Picked up my new 330C last Friday and on the way home noticed the car has a tendency to go slightly to the right. At first I thought it was the curvature of the road until I had come to a flat section of road. Same thing happened. How many people are HAVING this problem?
Jerry in De.

[Mr. Tibbs]

My 300C veers more right than Pat Buchanan, in fact it requires that I keep at least one hand on the wheel at all times (which makes eating a burger while talking on the phone and entering info INTO my laptop extremely difficult while negotiating curvy roads at a high rate of speed).

I've only logged about 150 miles, but the lean machine is definitely intent on hugging curb. I too thought it was the road at first, but it's all the time, every surface, more noticeable on the freeway than anywhere else.

I am cursing myself for not catching it when I picked the car up...but...uh...I was overcome with excitement and just wanted to leave the ditzy salespeople behind and carve up some asphault. Which I have!

It leans, sure, but man is this car a blast!

Where can I get this TSB in writing? I'd like this fixed before I slap new wheels on it.

[SuperDave]

My car drifts right too, but I don't have the official info on the TSB yet. I'm still looking!

[BrilliantBlackHemi]

Whats the fix? Revised Toe/Caster/Camber specs? Shims? Anyone know if this is being corrected on car be built now, like new orders?

[GWAZI]

Well, this does not inspire confidence. What seems strange is that the degree of the pull is different, but it's always to the right. Anyone have an idea what is wrong?

[300C on 22's]

Has anyone taken theirs back to the dealership yet? What did they say the problem was? Alignment?

[EasyRider300C]

If they CHECK the alignment and all is ok, it could be a tire problem. To CHECK it, have them rotate tires front to back. If car rides better, then it may be a bad tire. This was a problem in the early 300Ms but those cars came with Goodyears.

[Greeneyej]

Mine has a slight pull to the right as well.
If its an alignment problem I hope that Chrysler reacts faster then Nissan did w/ the 350Z and its alignment issues.

Jay

[adaptabl]

It may be a design issue and you will have to live with it.

[BlackMagnum]

Not. That would be known as a lemon....

It may be a design issue and you will have to live with it.

[dodgeatheart]

Sounds like a suspension geometry problem. They'll probably fix it, then never issue a recall - only repairing the vehicle when someone brings it in to be fixed. It has been done before (Jeep Cherokee).

[E8502]

Not. That would be known as a lemon....

It may be a design issue and you will have to live with it.
Well BlackMagnum, did you read Bob's post about this issue over at Allpar (It was a few weeks back)??

[BlackMagnum]

Haven't read it. In California they've got 30 days in the shop to fix it or they can have it back. I would be especially agressive with a known condition.

http://caag.state.ca.us/consumers/general/lemon.htm



Not. That would be known as a lemon....

It may be a design issue and you will have to live with it.
Well BlackMagnum, did you read Bob's post about this issue over at Allpar (It was a few weeks back)??

[E8502]

Here is some quotes FROM a Chrysler Engineer (Bob Sheaves):

"The closer to neutral a car handles, the more quickly it is affected by road crown, etc., including ignorant drivers that are not used to less than 10 percent understeer in the suspension design. The more steeply crowned a road is, the more "pull" (which is not what is really happenning) there is to the low side. Correcting the tendency requires a change of basic geometry in the design. This is another case of ignorance being touted as "proof" of a problem."

"...A "camber bolt" (added: actually an offset washer for the bolt to go through which is called an "eccentric"---RWS) is a damn sight different than a control arm. In this instance (assuming this is all that is being replaced) the bolt indicates that the net punches that put the holes in the frame brackets for the UCA to mount is off and needs to be shimmed on way or the other. Not a big deal at all."
:idea:

[BlackMagnum]

Sounds like standard sports sedan driving dynamics. Of course, it depends on the severity.



Here is some quotes FROM a Chrysler Engineer (Bob Sheaves):

"The closer to neutral a car handles, the more quickly it is affected by road crown, etc., including ignorant drivers that are not used to less than 10 percent understeer in the suspension design. The more steeply crowned a road is, the more "pull" (which is not what is really happenning) there is to the low side. Correcting the tendency requires a change of basic geometry in the design. This is another case of ignorance being touted as "proof" of a problem."

"...A "camber bolt" (added: actually an offset washer for the bolt to go through which is called an "eccentric"---RWS) is a damn sight different than a control arm. In this instance (assuming this is all that is being replaced) the bolt indicates that the net punches that put the holes in the frame brackets for the UCA to mount is off and needs to be shimmed on way or the other. Not a big deal at all."
:idea:

[E8502]

Sounds like standard sports sedan driving dynamics. Of course, it depends on the severity.

Here is some quotes FROM a Chrysler Engineer (Bob Sheaves):

"The closer to neutral a car handles, the more quickly it is affected by road crown, etc., including ignorant drivers that are not used to less than 10 percent understeer in the suspension design. The more steeply crowned a road is, the more "pull" (which is not what is really happenning) there is to the low side. Correcting the tendency requires a change of basic geometry in the design. This is another case of ignorance being touted as "proof" of a problem."

"...A "camber bolt" (added: actually an offset washer for the bolt to go through which is called an "eccentric"---RWS) is a damn sight different than a control arm. In this instance (assuming this is all that is being replaced) the bolt indicates that the net punches that put the holes in the frame brackets for the UCA to mount is off and needs to be shimmed on way or the other. Not a big deal at all."
:idea:
Yup, that how I take it. :?

[elrod]

Not. That would be known as a lemon....

It may be a design issue and you will have to live with it.
Well BlackMagnum, did you read Bob's post about this issue over at Allpar (It was a few weeks back)??

Do you have a link?

[E8502]

Look at page one on this thread.

(Or in the post above your last one)

[elrod]

Look at page one on this thread.

(Or in the post above your last one)

I read the quote. I would like the link to the quote to read the whole article. Thanks! :D

[E8502]

Of course: http://www.allpar.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=34935&st=0 :D

[TehKing]

Sounds like standard sports sedan driving dynamics. Of course, it depends on the severity.



Here is some quotes FROM a Chrysler Engineer (Bob Sheaves):

"The closer to neutral a car handles, the more quickly it is affected by road crown, etc., including ignorant drivers that are not used to less than 10 percent understeer in the suspension design. The more steeply crowned a road is, the more "pull" (which is not what is really happenning) there is to the low side. Correcting the tendency requires a change of basic geometry in the design. This is another case of ignorance being touted as "proof" of a problem."

"...A "camber bolt" (added: actually an offset washer for the bolt to go through which is called an "eccentric"---RWS) is a damn sight different than a control arm. In this instance (assuming this is all that is being replaced) the bolt indicates that the net punches that put the holes in the frame brackets for the UCA to mount is off and needs to be shimmed on way or the other. Not a big deal at all."
:idea:

Sounds like a cop out to me...

[BlackMagnum]

I'm hoping "Bob" is is correct and this is another one of those differences between American cars and European cars, kind of like the battle to EXPLAIN rear-wheel drive and traction control.

I wonder if you rebadged a Mercedes or BMW with an American brand whether most Americans would actually appreciate it. The suspension is more stiff, the steering is neutral and has some road feel, rear wheel drive draws suspicion, the seats are narrow. Chrysler got two important things right -- lots of power and cup holders. ;)

Sounds like standard sports sedan driving dynamics. Of course, it depends on the severity.



Here is some quotes FROM a Chrysler Engineer (Bob Sheaves):

"The closer to neutral a car handles, the more quickly it is affected by road crown, etc., including ignorant drivers that are not used to less than 10 percent understeer in the suspension design. The more steeply crowned a road is, the more "pull" (which is not what is really happenning) there is to the low side. Correcting the tendency requires a change of basic geometry in the design. This is another case of ignorance being touted as "proof" of a problem."

"...A "camber bolt" (added: actually an offset washer for the bolt to go through which is called an "eccentric"---RWS) is a damn sight different than a control arm. In this instance (assuming this is all that is being replaced) the bolt indicates that the net punches that put the holes in the frame brackets for the UCA to mount is off and needs to be shimmed on way or the other. Not a big deal at all."
:idea:

Sounds like a cop out to me...

[JJS]

Here is some quotes FROM a Chrysler Engineer (Bob Sheaves):

"The closer to neutral a car handles, the more quickly it is affected by road crown, etc., including ignorant drivers that are not used to less than 10 percent understeer in the suspension design. The more steeply crowned a road is, the more "pull" (which is not what is really happenning) there is to the low side. Correcting the tendency requires a change of basic geometry in the design. This is another case of ignorance being touted as "proof" of a problem."

"...A "camber bolt" (added: actually an offset washer for the bolt to go through which is called an "eccentric"---RWS) is a damn sight different than a control arm. In this instance (assuming this is all that is being replaced) the bolt indicates that the net punches that put the holes in the frame brackets for the UCA to mount is off and needs to be shimmed on way or the other. Not a big deal at all."
:idea:


It is all fine and good that the road crown issue had been brought up, but in a test drive last week, I took a hemi out on empty country roads near me (yes they are well paved). Since I read about this issue before the drive I wanted to test the car for this. Guess what...pulls to right...AND... I checked both on the 'right' side of the road and also driving in the wrong lane for a while (like I said, no cars around) even though I knew this road had a negligible, if any, crown to it. The pull to the right is still there.

[clowncarni]

now that i think about it, I have driven three 300''s at the dealers (two hemi's and one limited) and they ALL pulled to the right! Wonder if they will fix that soon and hopefully wont be an engine mounting defect.

[elrod]

No fix yet on the pull. I am still waiting on Chrysler to get with the program!! :x

[SuperDave]

I've been told that there is a TSB on this issue. I'm trying to get the TSB number today. If I'm successful I'll post it here!

Dave

[rdmac]

Well. The dealer where I got my car has sold 11 300s and 5 of them are Hemis. Only one guy has come back with the car about pulling to the right and he is freaking out and wants a new car. They replaced some bolts he demanded (not official fix) and nothing changed. The service manager told me it may be an engine mount thing. I have not noticed this problem on my car in the mo0nth I've had it. All last week end I really tested it out. The car really does follow the road contours. I found it in many instances pulling to the left it the road went that way (I drove on the wrong side). On nuetral flat roads the car went straight. Crowns to the right it pulled right, crowns to the left it pulled left. If anything at highway speads there may be a slight favor to the right. Does not freak me out but I will stay in touch with the service folks to see how this plays out.

Bob

[BlackMagnum]

That TSB number will be key. I have plenty of experience educating (BMW) service folks on their own TSB's. It's especially helpful if you can find a hard copy to bring to the dealership.

I've been told that there is a TSB on this issue. I'm trying to get the TSB number today. If I'm successful I'll post it here!

Dave

[JJS]

Just a bit of an UPDATE out there...


http://www.allpar.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=36252&st=0&#entry263310

[Superbird]

Has anyone driven on the freeway in the LEFT LANE? DOES IT PULL LEFT??? Mine is due in 2 weeks and I can assure you I will drive it before accepting delivery and reject it if it has this problem. Thanks for the heads up! I checked today with DC and it was built yesterday! I hope they have this problem sorted out by now.

[SilverC]

The ironic part of all this...if you refuse it, they don't care, now they can sell it "from stock" for a big mark-up to someone (probably have a list) who doesn't want to wait for an order.
I think this is an example of the old "got you by the short hairs" phenomenon.

[C4me]

Maybe I'm just lucky, but no pull. Car drove like it was on rails for the entire 2600 miles "quick" trip to Texas and back.

June '04 featured HEMI LX

[Greeneyej]

The ironic part of all this...if you refuse it, they don't care, now they can sell it "from stock" for a big mark-up to someone (probably have a list) who doesn't want to wait for an order.
I think this is an example of the old "got you by the short hairs" phenomenon.

Yeah, I have to agree with SilverC..

J

[snickle]

Check out:

http://www.dodgemagnum.net/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=687&highlight=

Looks like it is a simple alignment issue.

[slevesque]

I bought a 300 Touring (Ok it's not the hemi) 2 weeks ago, love it, however, It pulled to the right quite a bit on the test drive. I had the dealer correct the alignment before I picked it up. Now, after two weeks it still has a slight right pull on a level road. It's a serious alignment problem. I checked the tire pressure as well. I am bringing it back in tomorrow and try to get it figured out at the dealer. If it comes down to it I will have the service shop set the alignment to favor the left and see what happens regardless of what it looks like to them. But, it makes me worry.Any info would be appreciated.

Also the sale person told me as a passing comment, that he thought that all the 300's seems to do this. Hmmmm.

[DMAG]

I created a quick and dirty page for this TSB info. I'll be adding any additional TSB's and Recalls to this page.

Thanks JohnCambridge for the TSB info!

Dodge Magnum and Chrysler 300 TSB's and Recalls (http://www.dodgemagnum.net/phpBB2/tsb_recall.php)

[DucatiBoy]

I took one for a test drive the other day and it didn't pull to the right when I was driving it, but when I hit the brakes it fealt like it was trying to yank the wheel out of my hands. I pulled my hands off the wheel and let it ride for a sec or two, hit the brakes and the wheel turned 90 degrees clockwise. Very weird looking.

[BlackMagnum]

Sounds like a problem with the brakes. I would get it checked.

I took one for a test drive the other day and it didn't pull to the right when I was driving it, but when I hit the brakes it fealt like it was trying to yank the wheel out of my hands. I pulled my hands off the wheel and let it ride for a sec or two, hit the brakes and the wheel turned 90 degrees clockwise. Very weird looking.

[JJS]

Does anyone have a 300 built after the 'magic' 4/25 date indicated as the cutoff in the TSB who can attest to either HAVING the problem or not?