Tyre garage can't get alignment straight
Discussion
So having a bit of an issue with wheel alignment. All has been fine for the last couple of years and i haven't hit any noticeable speedbumps/kerbs.
However recently i noticed the front tracking was slightly out (toe pointing to the right)
I took it to the tyre garage, they made the adjustments for it to show true again.
The next day on a straight road, i noticed it was now pointing slightly to the other direction (left toe).
I took it back the following weekend for them to find it is still out but the opposite direction, and so they adjust it for a 2nd time (free of charge this time)
The next day, i notice it is now pointing to the other direction! back to where it started, toe pointing to the right.
Taking it back the following weekend for a 3rd time, for them to find it is out, they make the adjustment again free of charge.
This morning (2 days later) i have noticed it is now pointing the opposite way (to the left), not as bad as the last time but the steering wheel is not straight when driving along a straight motorway.
I'm accepting the fact that it can sometimes take more than one attempt, but frankly i'm beginning to get tired of returning every weekend as this will now be the 4th time i take it back, if i do.
Is there an underlying problem here?
Could my car have an issue? Is the garage or their machine incompetent?
What would be my best bet? to keep going back until it is straight or should there be a time when enough is enough?
Am i within my rights for a refund as they cannot satisfy the job and to go elsewhere?
Thanks
However recently i noticed the front tracking was slightly out (toe pointing to the right)
I took it to the tyre garage, they made the adjustments for it to show true again.
The next day on a straight road, i noticed it was now pointing slightly to the other direction (left toe).
I took it back the following weekend for them to find it is still out but the opposite direction, and so they adjust it for a 2nd time (free of charge this time)
The next day, i notice it is now pointing to the other direction! back to where it started, toe pointing to the right.
Taking it back the following weekend for a 3rd time, for them to find it is out, they make the adjustment again free of charge.
This morning (2 days later) i have noticed it is now pointing the opposite way (to the left), not as bad as the last time but the steering wheel is not straight when driving along a straight motorway.
I'm accepting the fact that it can sometimes take more than one attempt, but frankly i'm beginning to get tired of returning every weekend as this will now be the 4th time i take it back, if i do.
Is there an underlying problem here?
Could my car have an issue? Is the garage or their machine incompetent?
What would be my best bet? to keep going back until it is straight or should there be a time when enough is enough?
Am i within my rights for a refund as they cannot satisfy the job and to go elsewhere?
Thanks
Edited by Bobton125 on Monday 23 September 11:39
joropug said:
Always do a good job with a hunter machine
A garage near me got that badly wrong on my car. I'm not sure how, I guess they might be able to misfit the panel things they attach to the wheels?Got mine eventually sorted by going to an old school rough'n'ready tyre place nearby which did it the old fashioned way.
It'll almost certainly be down to the garage. Been through the same seemingly "trial and error" process myself. Either give the same place one last try for free or try the next place and hope for the best.
I suppose it can be set perfectly, but unless the steering wheel is perfectly centred when it's done then it'll be a bit off.
I suppose it can be set perfectly, but unless the steering wheel is perfectly centred when it's done then it'll be a bit off.
Dave. said:
Sloppy bushes? Knackered balljoints?
I’d second this. Had severe uneven tyre wear and tracking issues on my old car. I had the ball joints changed as a shot in the dark and handling improved drastically.
The tyres always looked under inflated too - no matter what pressure I put in them. not sure if it was related.
I think the underlying problem is you "noticing".
Toe does not point left or right, for starters. That's the job of the steering wheel.
Secondly, how could you possibly visually *see* something like 1/8th of an inch toe in or out? Impossible.
If for whatever reason your toe settings really are not stable there is only one reason - shot suspension componentry.
Toe does not point left or right, for starters. That's the job of the steering wheel.
Secondly, how could you possibly visually *see* something like 1/8th of an inch toe in or out? Impossible.
If for whatever reason your toe settings really are not stable there is only one reason - shot suspension componentry.
Had the same issue many years ago, turned out to be a faulty tyre, so worth checking! Think I'd had them rebalanced 3 times… was then asked if i'd be handbrake turning a lot… I hadn't, tyre was sent off to goodyear but never heard anything, i'd had a decent amount of miles out of them so didn't chase.
996TT02 said:
I think the underlying problem is you "noticing".
Toe does not point left or right, for starters. That's the job of the steering wheel.
Secondly, how could you possibly visually *see* something like 1/8th of an inch toe in or out? Impossible.
If for whatever reason your toe settings really are not stable there is only one reason - shot suspension componentry.
I'm not sure how else to describe it? When i hold the steering wheel straight, the car veers off slightly to the left or right. When driving down a straight road, the steering wheel is not centralised. I know it depends how pedantic someones eyes are with noticing what is straight or not, but the garage worker confirmed 'yeah mate, trackings pointing the other way slightly'Toe does not point left or right, for starters. That's the job of the steering wheel.
Secondly, how could you possibly visually *see* something like 1/8th of an inch toe in or out? Impossible.
If for whatever reason your toe settings really are not stable there is only one reason - shot suspension componentry.
I'm not sure how you wouldn't see it? it's very obvious if your steering wheel is not straight?
steveo3002 said:
hands off the wheel it still stays on the road straight or trys to go off line?
it stays on the road straightI know the issue is the tracking just hasn't been done correctly, as all was fine before.
I just want to know when is it time to call out the tyre garage for not being able to perform the wheel alignment and to get money back/go elsewhere
Gassing Station | Suspension, Brakes & Tyres | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff