Loose steering, car suddenly pulls left/right, need help Options

[azian_advanced]

hey guys, i need some input regarding a steering problem that i have. when i drive straight and hold the steering wheel steadily, there are times when the car will drive straight then suddenly pull slightly to the left or right... not by too much, but just slightly enough that i can correct it by countersteering. it happens while driving at any speed. the steering wheel feels normal, like it's not loose or anything when i turn.

1. if my alignment is off, wouldn't it just keep pulling to 'one' side? not both.

2. how do i determine if the ball joint is bad?

3. how do i know if the tierods are bad? <-- my intuition says this is the culprit

4. how do i know if my whole steering rack is f***ed? i hope this isn't the case.

can anyone give me some pointers to narrow down this problem? it's scary to drive (especially with the icy roads here) with this problem. any input will be greatly appreciated. thanks

[azian_advanced]

just going back to the issue from the OP, i realized my problem was with the wheels. i was having the issue with my 17" wedsport wheels, but when i went back to my 15" winter wheels, it stopped pulling.

i spoke with a buddy who works as a tech for Ford and mentioned it may have to do with the difference in offset.