Wheel bearing?

[pinto2300]

My 2001 Boxster has been having an issue with the front end alignment mysteriously going bad. No pot holes, haven't hit anything it just started on my way to work one morning. Felt off and the steering wheel was no longer centered (cocked to the right about an eight of a turn). I have checked the tie rods and other suspension parts and everything is tight. In looking at the car from the front, the drivers side tire is now pushed out to the edge of the wheel well(no spacers). The left is still tucked in. I verified what I was seeing with a string and plumb. It has been suggested that it could be a wheel bearing. Does anyone have any experience with this? Thank you! Bill

[CarGuyNeil]

I'd have a shop look at it and get it up on a lift.

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[mistertate]

With a wheel bearing that bad your brakes would get spongy at first apply because the rotor flopped around and pushed the pistons back. Applying the brakes would temporarily align the bearing.
Jacking it up and moving things around should should show you

[tonythetarga]

Could be steering rack failing.

[pinto2300]

Originally Posted by tonythetarga

Could be steering rack failing.

Thank you Tony, I have no noise associated with this issue as an update. I question how the wheel could be moved out if the rack is going bad. Any clue? Bill

[CarGuyNeil]

Originally Posted by pinto2300

Thank you Tony, I have no noise associated with this issue as an update. I question how the wheel could be moved out if the rack is going bad. Any clue? Bill

Something internal could have broken without causing any external leaks.

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[tonythetarga]

I think that wearing in the steering mechanism can give you sloppy steering, which you state you had trouble keeping the wheel centered. If the ball joints and tie rods are not worn and present no movement, we have to look elsewhere up the steering controls. That led me to the rack. Usually a failure will also result in fluid leak, but you may not be at that point yet. Just suggesting some thing to check before doing the front end alignment. You might also want to check your power steering fluid to see what level it is.

[tonythetarga]

Regarding the bearing check, jack up that corner, put your hands at 12 and 6 o’clock And check for play in the wheel. If you have movement, then it’s likely the bearing.
Placing your hands at three and nine, and moving the wheel is a check for tie rods.
If the wheel is that much out of place it could be the bearing. I would definitely not drive the car.