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Ok, so I brought my recently acquired 2001 honda civic lx into the shop for a messed up steering problem. Basically, it has memory steering when turning left in which it likes to keep trying to turn left until after a turn to the right.

The shop said that the major contributer to this was a "right strut mount" that was binding. Now, I'm not a big auto freak, so could someone explain exactly what a right strut mount is? I envision it being something that the strut itself mounts to (duh), and thus doesn't move. So, I'm a bit perplexed how a non-moving part can "bind".

Next, they mentioned that since the car had been lowered (by a previous owner), it should have had a "drop center spindle" installed to assure that the steering wouldn't go whacko on bumps and dips in the road. I've search the forums and (A) can't figure our what a "drop center spindle" is, and (B) don't see anyone mention needed such a thing modified when lowering the car.

Any clarifications or ideas? Is smoke being blown up my keister?

Any info is appreciated, as I'm sure they're gonna want to know if I want this "repaired".

Thanks in advance!

 
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Here is a pic of the strut mount. Its the top piece that has 3 bolts on it. That part in itself doesnt move when torqued down. The only part that spins is the bearing(cant see it since its below the strut mount) and upper spring perch will spin when the car is turning. If he meant the upper perch or bearing is binding, then it might be true.



A drop spindle is commonly used to lower cars and trucks that are mainly rear wheel drive. A dropped spindle is where the front axle on the knuckle(or spindle) is mounted up higher so the overall ride height in the front is dropped. Basically its just a steering knuckle with the axle higher. The benefit of a dropped spindle is it keeps the suspension geometery stock, requiring no additional parts to keep it aligned. But anyway, no you dont have dropped spindles. He doesnt kow wtf he's talking about when it comes to our cars.

 
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Thank you.

The guy actually came back and said that there isn't a spindle application for the Civic...

However, he did suggest a camber kit in front and rear (as I expected).

I hope my tires and wheels fit underneath without rubbing :P