Our 1984 Volvo Sedan was in an minor parking-lot side-swipe accident a couple of years ago, and ever since then, the steering has just been 'off'. We got the alignment done, but it didn't fix it really as it still veers off to the right when driving and the steering feels really loose.

I'm not sure how an accident could cause this, but it did start driving this way immediatly after this incident.

When we got the alignment done, the shop suggested that we get the tie-rods and joints replaced, but at the time we didn't have the money and they said it was not that bad to be immediately needed.

We rarely drove the car then. For months, it just sat only being driven on the ocassional weekend.

Now it's driven daily, only about 6 miles to and from work.

I guess my question is: Should we be getting our tie rods/joints/whatever replaced now that we're driving more? Is your standard run-of-the-mill neighborhood tire shop qualified to do this job on a an Volvo?

HOw do you know if this job needs to be done? what are the symptoms/signs? I don't want a wheel to fall off while driving, as happened to another driver yesterday (and caused a fatal accident).