Are ball joint torque settings, important?

[Struth]

If you are in a turn and you take your hands off the steering wheel it will stay in that trajectory.

After fitting new ball joints this behavior is normal but it should loosen up after 1000k or so, the steering should return to center when moving forward. It's self centering as a function of geometry.

[nitrobrent]

I think your barking up the wrong tree .
Replaced my ball joints twice and the sons ones.
It never effected the steering.
Id take steering dampner off and take it for a drive.

[Struth]

thanks for the responses

Originally Posted by jaffazoom

I think your problem lies elsewhere but you could always disconnect one side of the tie rod and see if the knuckles move smoothly side to side.

Yes, I do intend to try this but it's just a matter of getting someone to do it for me as my condition does not allow me to do it myself.

Originally Posted by nitrobrent

Id take steering damper off and take it for a drive.

I do need to check the damerner and I'll post up what I find