pulls to the right on right turns

2007 HONDA CRV
84,000 MILES • 2.2L • 4 CYL • TURBO • 4WD • MANUAL
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Hello, I have a two year long problem with my vehicle. When I turn right, the car is pulling to the right, like something "rubbery", elastic, is turning my steering wheel. If I stop and make a small left, the car drives straight. If I take a left turn, the steering wheel returns to center and everything is perfect. I have the car since new and two years ago it started to pull to the right. First I checked for an alignment problem (done over thirty times at different Honda's and other services). No problem. Switched tires. Nothing. Tried with winter tires, same. Checked everything in the suspension parts, replaced front bushings (only the big rear ones, they said that the front small ones are okay and that it has no play there), shock absorbers, spring seats, brake discs and pads, even if there was no play. Same thing. Every mechanic said it's the rack and pinion. Took out rack and pinion, the mechanics said it is like new, no leakage, no binding " Put it back, check something else". I even did a flush of the power steering system, maybe it' s something in there. Nothing changed. It just drives me insane, imagine going for 600 km on the highway hanging onto the steering wheel. Now, the only things I can think about are broken motor mount (lower torque rod) and I plan to change it, even though I do not think it can be related to steering, or something weird in the steering pump, but it should do this on left and right, not only to the right (I think). Any ideas? Thank you very much.
Jul 22, 2016 at 2:52 AM
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WRENCHTECH
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I would look for a binding strut mount when the car's weight is on it.
Jul 22, 2016 at 4:47 AM
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Among the first things I have looked for. It did this with the old, original Honda strut mounts, I have changed them with brand new ones (and the bearings too). Same. But still, that is the sensation, you explained very well: strut mount binding.
Jul 22, 2016 at 5:06 AM
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WRENCHTECH
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At this point I would probably put it on a drive on rack with turn plates and disconnect the tie rods on both sides and turn the wheels manually to try to isolate where it is coming from.
Jul 22, 2016 at 5:10 AM
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That sounds like a very good idea. I checked the rack and pinion by suspending the car and starting engine, it does not turn the steering wheel so it's not that. I suspect that may be a defective upper strut mount or a binding ball joint, but again, no play or a sound in ball joints. "The car is as tight as new" everybody says. And still, it pulls to the right. A broken engine mount could impact the steering? Not torque steering, that it doesn't have.
Jul 22, 2016 at 5:37 AM
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WRENCHTECH
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A broken mount could lead to "torque steer" but you say that is not what you have so no, I do not believe a motor mount could be the issue.
Jul 22, 2016 at 6:12 AM