Alignment Problem

[Amila G]

Recently I replaced my front tyres due to excessive side wear.

When I went to check alignment both the Pitstop and my usual place asked to replace front the tires as setting the alignment in that condition was not a good thing. Anyway the car was pulling to a side very badly.

So I changed the tires and set the alignment at Pitstop but the car is still pulling to a side. When I asked the pitstop guy told that my caster is a bit out on the left wheel and that's the reason for the pull and I believe he is right.

But my usual alignment place at panadura set alignment using a side slip measuring machine. When the car is driven over it, it shows how much the car is pulling to a side and then they adjust the car so that it's not pulling to a side.

And then I found this on a forum

  Quote

When you send your car for wheel alignment, it is done at static. The mech will check toe angle, toe angle on turn, camber and caster angle. That is only for the front wheels. If you are doing 4 wheels there are more complicated checks to be carried out.

Unless you car has suffered undercariage damage or the rear suspensions are just replaced, then it is necssary to do a thorough 4 wheel alignement ( unless offcourse yr ride has 4 independent suspensions)

Car will still sometime pull to the left or right (side slip) even the wheels have just been adjusted using computerised alignment machine. This is because the whole adjustment excercise is been carried out at static without taking in consideration wheel bearing conditions, tie-rod conditions ,tyre wear conditions etc. The reading are perfect but in actual rolling the wheel sometimes still develop lateral pulling force.

So to detect and overcome these lateral pulling force, it is best to drive the car over a side slip tester (tester with moving plate(s))If the reading show either within -5m or +5m then yr wheel slip is not that bad. The mech can make minor adjsutment on the toe angles to offset the pulling and do a re-test. Most customers always insists on the side slip tester meter to read "0".

So I guess if I set the alignment using the side slip machine they'll be able to correct the pulling issue with it where as Pitstop's computerized machine only checks the static alignment.

So experts, what should I do ? btw the castor is not adjustable on my car (CE110) and this pulling is driving me nuts.

[Sylvi]

  On 1/3/2012 at 7:11 AM, Amila G said:

Recently I replaced my front tyres due to excessive side wear.

When I went to check alignment both the Pitstop and my usual place asked to replace front the tires as setting the alignment in that condition was not a good thing. Anyway the car was pulling to a side very badly.

So I changed the tires and set the alignment at Pitstop but the car is still pulling to a side. When I asked the pitstop guy told that my caster is a bit out on the left wheel and that's the reason for the pull and I believe he is right.

But my usual alignment place at panadura set alignment using a side slip measuring machine. When the car is driven over it, it shows how much the car is pulling to a side and then they adjust the car so that it's not pulling to a side.

And then I found this on a forum

So I guess if I set the alignment using the side slip machine they'll be able to correct the pulling issue with it where as Pitstop's computerized machine only checks the static alignment.

So experts, what should I do ? btw the castor is not adjustable on my car (CE110) and this pulling is driving me nuts.

Try "Nalaka" at colombo 02 next to Richard Peri's show room.

Please read following link.

http://www.ozebiz.com.au/racetech/theory/align.html

Sylvi Wijesinghe.

[Gyiman]

P@tStop don't do a very good job at aligning. Your better off going to C@r C@re

[Sylvi]

  On 1/3/2012 at 10:13 AM, Gyiman said:

P@tStop don't do a very good job at aligning. Your better off going to C@r C@re

'Gyiman',

Re your post,Car Care you have not given the location.

Is this is located at Wellawatha on a by road before you come to junction when you go towards Dehiwala.

I have got their services they were good but later I found the mechanic who used to do my work was not there.

this is the reason I shifted to "Nalaka".

Sylvi Wijesinghe.

[Gyiman]

  On 1/3/2012 at 12:37 PM, Sylvi said:

'Gyiman',

Re your post,Car Care you have not given the location.

Is this is located at Wellawatha on a by road before you come to junction when you go towards Dehiwala.

I have got their services they were good but later I found the mechanic who used to do my work was not there.

this is the reason I shifted to "Nalaka".

Sylvi Wijesinghe.

Sorry, yes this is the one in Wellawatte. I have been going there for about 6 years & most of the mechanics have been the same. But with a gap last year since I went to P#t St*p for servicing I tried out there alignment service as well & they didn't do a very good job. Small place but they sure get a lot of clients, nothing fancy.

[The Don]

  On 1/3/2012 at 7:11 AM, Amila G said:

Recently I replaced my front tyres due to excessive side wear.

When I went to check alignment both the Pitstop and my usual place asked to replace front the tires as setting the alignment in that condition was not a good thing. Anyway the car was pulling to a side very badly.

So I changed the tires and set the alignment at Pitstop but the car is still pulling to a side. When I asked the pitstop guy told that my caster is a bit out on the left wheel and that's the reason for the pull and I believe he is right.

But my usual alignment place at panadura set alignment using a side slip measuring machine. When the car is driven over it, it shows how much the car is pulling to a side and then they adjust the car so that it's not pulling to a side.

And then I found this on a forum

So I guess if I set the alignment using the side slip machine they'll be able to correct the pulling issue with it where as Pitstop's computerized machine only checks the static alignment.

So experts, what should I do ? btw the castor is not adjustable on my car (CE110) and this pulling is driving me nuts.

You can perhaps talk to pitstop, and insist if you get your issue resolved at a different place whether they would refund you the fee for wheel alignment. That is what I would do.

[Reckless]

  On 1/3/2012 at 10:13 AM, Gyiman said:

P@tStop don't do a very good job at aligning. Your better off going to C@r C@re

Yeah I also recomend car c@re at wellawatta. They did a very good job with alligning and balancing and were very helpful, explained me every thing and were freindly.

Edited January 3, 2012 by Reckless

[Amila G]

Thanks guys, anyway what kind of a alignment machine does the car care use ? Is it a computerized one or the kind that you drive over ?

Do I need to get an appointment to go there ? Could you give a contact number for car care.

[Reckless]

Yes they use a comuterized system. and yes you do need to get an appointment. Its a small place only about 3 cars can fit in. its the place on the right hand side right after you enter the Sinsapa road.

Car C@re

Sinsapa Road, Wellawatta

011 2 586545

Google map

Edited January 4, 2012 by Reckless

[tglk]

  On 1/3/2012 at 7:29 AM, Sylvi said:

Try "Nalaka" at colombo 02 next to Richard Peri's show room.

Please read following link.

http://www.ozebiz.co...eory/align.html

Sylvi Wijesinghe.

I got my Lancer CB3 wheel alignment done at Nalaka ... and finally I had to replace all four tires due to excessive side wear. The excessive side wear found in all four tires (The inner side), and when it was found it was too late.

Be careful with them... I got the alignment done twice from them and the first time I waited till the wheel alignment was done and I saw the mechanic selected a different model/year of the car for the standard settings in the computer and I asked him to select the correct one. No issues at the first time but the second time I left the car there and came to collect the car once it was finished. And that's it. Later I had to replace the tires.

[Sylvi]

  On 1/4/2012 at 4:51 AM, tglk said:

I got my Lancer CB3 wheel alignment done at Nalaka ... and finally I had to replace all four tires due to excessive side wear. The excessive side wear found in all four tires (The inner side), and when it was found it was too late.

Be careful with them... I got the alignment done twice from them and the first time I waited till the wheel alignment was done and I saw the mechanic selected a different model/year of the car for the standard settings in the computer and I asked him to select the correct one. No issues at the first time but the second time I left the car there and came to collect the car once it was finished. And that's it. Later I had to replace the tires.

'tglk',

Thank you sharing your experience with "Nalaka"

I have not had any problems with them.

Next time must try back again Wellawatha Car Care.This place is closer to my place.

Sylvi Wijesinghe.

[ferrarif50]

SANKA DIGITAL WHEEL CARE CENTRE - Gangodawila also a good place

Edited January 5, 2012 by ferrarif50

[Amila G]

  On 1/4/2012 at 7:09 AM, ferrarif50 said:

ANKA DIGITAL WHEEL CARE CENTRE - Gangodawila also a good place

Did u mean Sanka ? They messed up my alignment pretty badly in the first place and that's why I had to go to Pitstop. After their alignment car was pulling very badly and when checked at pitstop alignment of the front wheels were off. After the pitstop the issue was solved but not completely.

[luckey007]

Even though it is said camber angle in 110 is nonadjustable, it is possible to get few degrees. But some morons tends to drill the hole bigger and "make adjustable cambers" . But never allow it as then alignment tends to change very often.Personally I prefer manual laser alignment.

[The Don]

  On 1/4/2012 at 8:48 AM, luckey007 said:

Even though it is said camber angle in 110 is nonadjustable, it is possible to get few degrees. But some morons tends to drill the hole bigger and "make adjustable cambers" . But never allow it as then alignment tends to change very often.Personally I prefer manual laser alignment.

It is possible to make adjustable cambers and you sometimes need it when you get slightly bigger wheels than factory spec. There is a different type of bolt you use in place of the original that allows you to make this adjustment and I've seen it advertised online. My car apparently came with these from Japan as the original owner had fitted them in but you can get them elsewhere as well.

[Amila G]

  On 1/4/2012 at 9:15 AM, The Don said:

It is possible to make adjustable cambers and you sometimes need it when you get slightly bigger wheels than factory spec. There is a different type of bolt you use in place of the original that allows you to make this adjustment and I've seen it advertised online. My car apparently came with these from Japan as the original owner had fitted them in but you can get them elsewhere as well.

Guys the camber is adjustable but it's the "CASTOR" that is out of alignment. i.e. Left side front wheel is a little behind the right side wheel.

[luckey007]

  On 1/4/2012 at 9:15 AM, The Don said:

It is possible to make adjustable cambers and you sometimes need it when you get slightly bigger wheels than factory spec. There is a different type of bolt you use in place of the original that allows you to make this adjustment and I've seen it advertised online. My car apparently came with these from Japan as the original owner had fitted them in but you can get them elsewhere as well.

Please explain about it where can I buy them?

[The Don]

  On 1/4/2012 at 1:41 PM, Amila G said:

Guys the camber is adjustable but it's the "CASTOR" that is out of alignment. i.e. Left side front wheel is a little behind the right side wheel.

I see, now this might be due to an accident or basically damage to suspension through many years on bad quality roads. I mean I am not sure .......... I wonder if the lower arm or the bushes have suffered any damage. Did pit stop explain why the castor has gotten out of alignment?

What I mentioned before was for camber adjustments not for castor.

[The Don]

  On 1/4/2012 at 3:17 PM, luckey007 said:

Please explain about it where can I buy them?

Well I am not sure where you can buy them, but this bolt replaces the bolts that attach the wheel hub to usually the shock absorbers or upper arm and they can be turned around then tightened to provide a small degree of camber adjustments. This is a very basic kit and there are more specialised kits with more components which are specific to certain models, for example the Mini. You usually shouldn't need any of this!

[Sylvi]

  On 1/4/2012 at 9:15 AM, The Don said:

It is possible to make adjustable cambers and you sometimes need it when you get slightly bigger wheels than factory spec. There is a different type of bolt you use in place of the original that allows you to make this adjustment and I've seen it advertised online. My car apparently came with these from Japan as the original owner had fitted them in but you can get them elsewhere as well.

'The Don',

You mention of bolts to adjust camber is it oval shape bolts. I don't think you can buy them here, have turn out according to your requirement.

Like to have your comments, it is very educative to the members of the forum if you explain more of your experience in camber adjustment.

Sylvi Wijesinghe.

[Amila G]

  On 1/4/2012 at 4:28 PM, The Don said:

I see, now this might be due to an accident or basically damage to suspension through many years on bad quality roads. I mean I am not sure .......... I wonder if the lower arm or the bushes have suffered any damage. Did pit stop explain why the castor has gotten out of alignment?

What I mentioned before was for camber adjustments not for castor.

They said it could be due to an accident but the car hasn't had any that I know of. And the bushings were replaced recently, But one occasion the wheel went over the edge of a pavement and lower arm hit a concrete pavement. So I'm wondering if this could have any effect.

If I try to correct the pulling issue with alignment rather than try to replace the lower arm, will it affect tires in a bad way ?

[The Don]

  On 1/5/2012 at 2:14 AM, Amila G said:

They said it could be due to an accident but the car hasn't had any that I know of. And the bushings were replaced recently, But one occasion the wheel went over the edge of a pavement and lower arm hit a concrete pavement. So I'm wondering if this could have any effect.

If I try to correct the pulling issue with alignment rather than try to replace the lower arm, will it affect tires in a bad way ?

If the lower arm is out of shape it needs to be fixed Amila, there is no other way around it. What you first have to check if its the mounts (where the lower arm connects to the chassis) or the actual lower arm which is out of shape. Also the wrong lower arm bushes being used also might cause a slight change in caster. Best thing is to explain the problem to a trustworthy mechanic and get him to measure all the vital elements to figure out which bit has gone out of shape.

[The Don]

  On 1/5/2012 at 12:09 AM, Sylvi said:

'The Don',

You mention of bolts to adjust camber is it oval shape bolts. I don't think you can buy them here, have turn out according to your requirement.

Like to have your comments, it is very educative to the members of the forum if you explain more of your experience in camber adjustment.

Sylvi Wijesinghe.

Sylvi, there are different kits for different cars depending on the suspension setup. For cars with a upper arm the kit is basically an adjustable upper arm. I think the kit used in my car is something like this.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/EIBACH-ADJUSTABLE-CAMBER-BOLTS-DC5-EP2-EP3-Z0353-/230657725024?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item35b4459260#ht_1855wt_690

I didn't realise it was there until a wheel alignment place accidentally discovered it. First they said the camber can't be adjusted and then the guy got excited and said it can because of this modification

[Amila G]

  On 1/5/2012 at 9:25 AM, The Don said:

If the lower arm is out of shape it needs to be fixed Amila, there is no other way around it. What you first have to check if its the mounts (where the lower arm connects to the chassis) or the actual lower arm which is out of shape. Also the wrong lower arm bushes being used also might cause a slight change in caster. Best thing is to explain the problem to a trustworthy mechanic and get him to measure all the vital elements to figure out which bit has gone out of shape.

Thanks Don, will see a mech.

[Amila G]

Thanks to you guys I went to the mech and voila.. the lower arm bolt has scraped possibly a rock and damaged bush + bolt and the bracket. I'm wondering how 2 supposedly good alignment places missed that.

Will be replacing them over the week end and give an update. Thanks again for the help. Really appreciate it.

[The Don]

  On 1/5/2012 at 1:49 PM, Amila G said:

Thanks to you guys I went to the mech and voila.. the lower arm bolt has scraped possibly a rock and damaged bush + bolt and the bracket. I'm wondering how 2 supposedly good alignment places missed that.

Will be replacing them over the week end and give an update. Thanks again for the help. Really appreciate it.

I am surprised about that too. I had a similar problem with a damaged bush and it was the wheel alignment place which pointed it out and asked me to get it repaired before attempting to align the wheels.