Subaru Forester - wheel alignment
Discussion
Our 2001 Forester has just lunched its rear tyres after a mere 13 months. Brand new Bridgstones - to manufacturers spec. The wear is all on the outside rim of both tyres. I hadn't noticed this happening until it was too late unfortunately.
The wheels clearly need aligning. Subaru say they don't do wheel alignment - happy to sell us the tyres though.
Kwik Fit said they alignment is way out but the adjustment at the rear axle is locked solid. They have managed to adjust a bit but not enough. They are loathed to haul any more for fear of breaking something.
Does anyone know what my next move should be? An indy garage who can apply some heat. Go back to Subaru and get one of my kidneys on Ebay ready for the bill?
As you can tell my mechanical skills are somewhere between nil and agricultural (although I did replace the dynamo on my Healey but that was a one off) and any advice will be appreciated.
The wheels clearly need aligning. Subaru say they don't do wheel alignment - happy to sell us the tyres though.
Kwik Fit said they alignment is way out but the adjustment at the rear axle is locked solid. They have managed to adjust a bit but not enough. They are loathed to haul any more for fear of breaking something.
Does anyone know what my next move should be? An indy garage who can apply some heat. Go back to Subaru and get one of my kidneys on Ebay ready for the bill?
As you can tell my mechanical skills are somewhere between nil and agricultural (although I did replace the dynamo on my Healey but that was a one off) and any advice will be appreciated.
My Dad's had the car from new. I took it over 3 years ago - so 2nd owner. It is mint and has always been serviced by Subaru. Low mileage and cosseted. It is a lovely car by the way - slow, ponderous actually, relaxing to drive, not pretty but and incredibly capable 4x4 that you can drive all day without knowing about it.
There is no question of any damage or shunt. The wheels are very probably out of line due to the horrific pot holes are Stafford/Staffordshire. My Maserati has just broken its second spring on them in two years. I also blew out two near side tyres last year on something which I never saw in the dark but boy did I hear it when I went over. They are an absolute disgrace (the potholes not the tyres)
Kwik Fit said that they couldn't adjust alignment because of rust on the underside. Hence my question. Do I go to a small garage where a chap with a bit of heat can give it a go or bite on it and go back to Subaru and their amazingly expensive prices.
There is no question of any damage or shunt. The wheels are very probably out of line due to the horrific pot holes are Stafford/Staffordshire. My Maserati has just broken its second spring on them in two years. I also blew out two near side tyres last year on something which I never saw in the dark but boy did I hear it when I went over. They are an absolute disgrace (the potholes not the tyres)
Kwik Fit said that they couldn't adjust alignment because of rust on the underside. Hence my question. Do I go to a small garage where a chap with a bit of heat can give it a go or bite on it and go back to Subaru and their amazingly expensive prices.
An update
Stevieturbo called it right - it couldn't be unsiezed and they need to cut the rear arms and re attach new parts. Quoted a day's work - £545 inc VAT and parts. Whilst not filled with joy that seems reasonable to me and the work is going ahead tomorrow.
I considered waving the car off as it has cost a bit of late (new exhaust which is a Subaru only part and well over a grand and separately a wheel bearing)but decided to go with this and have work done. The car drives like the day it was new and does a great job for us. I figured whatever we replaced it with was going to carry a cost so better the devil you know.
Will let you know how it turns out.
Dave
Stevieturbo called it right - it couldn't be unsiezed and they need to cut the rear arms and re attach new parts. Quoted a day's work - £545 inc VAT and parts. Whilst not filled with joy that seems reasonable to me and the work is going ahead tomorrow.
I considered waving the car off as it has cost a bit of late (new exhaust which is a Subaru only part and well over a grand and separately a wheel bearing)but decided to go with this and have work done. The car drives like the day it was new and does a great job for us. I figured whatever we replaced it with was going to carry a cost so better the devil you know.
Will let you know how it turns out.
Dave
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