Alignment

[AnimatedMechanic]

Do any of you know how to do alignment work on these cars? Tips? Tricks?
My car has a slight pull to the left that I want to fix. We just overhauled the motor and may have tweaked something.

[unfkwthabl]

hmmm now that you mentioned it, my car is doin the same too a slight pull to the left, dont remember if it was pulling when i first bought it but i remember it pulling after i had tires installed...

[Yuko]

I have done many alignments myself. It can be a pain on older rusty car.

Basic of Alignment:
Caster: The forward/backward tint of the upper ball joint/strut mount compare to the lower ball joint
Camber: The inward or outward tilt of the tire when viewed from the front.
Toe: The inward or outward point of the tire when viewed from above.

Alignment starts with the rear adjustments; Caster/Camber then Toe. (Most trucks with solid axle can't be adjusted) Then move to the front adjustments; Caster, Camber, then Toe. (Caster can't be adjusted on most strut assembly) Most common cause of pulling and tire wear is by incorrect toe. That is adjusted by the outer tie-rod ends on the steering assembly. In your case, it can be a toe out on the left front wheel, a negative camber on the right front, incorrect rear thrust angle, or a combination.

Always do 4-wheel alignment and check tire pressure.

[Mike Gerber]

Before doing an alignmnet, switch the 2 front tires with each other. See if the pull switches sides or goes away completely. Some tires develope what is known as a radial pull, where the belts inside the tire shift and cause the tire to pull to one side or the other.

"dont remember if it was pulling when i first bought it but i remember it pulling after i had tires installed..."

unfwkthabl,

I have seen this happen with brand new tires so you could also try this simple test.

Mike

[nopain00]

Rotating the tires is a good idea as Mike said. If the problem is still there, you will need to correct the alignment. You can sometimes get it close by making changes and test driving, and then repeating, but it's very hard to get a very good alignment in a home shop.

There are lots of techniques like ones using string, small pins and paint, etc., but this is one of those things that's just easier to get done at a shop that has an alignment computer. Any basic tire shop should have this equipment, and for the price, it's definitely worth it.

[Grego 92]

If you have the funds and depending on your situation you might consider doing what I did, which was purchase alignments for as long as you own the vehicle. In california alighments are between $70-$90 for the computer version. The lifetime was $160 at Firestone, so basically paying for two up front and can be done at any Firestone location.

I plan on keeping the car forever (knock on wood it doesn't get totaled in an accident) so I know I'll get my money back and then some. I already had two done already (1. after new struts 2. after replacing tie rod) so I'm even money right now.

[Yuko]

Dammit, after doing many alignments myself, I still forget about all the other prechecks. As suggested, rotated the tire and check tire-pressure; it cheap. Then inspect for worn supension parts such as bad bushings, lose tie-rods, and ball joints. Alignment can't fix those.

[nopain00]

Originally Posted by Grego 92

If you have the funds and depending on your situation you might consider doing what I did, which was purchase alignments for as long as you own the vehicle. In california alighments are between $70-$90 for the computer version. The lifetime was $160 at Firestone, so basically paying for two up front and can be done at any Firestone location.

I plan on keeping the car forever (knock on wood it doesn't get totaled in an accident) so I know I'll get my money back and then some. I already had two done already (1. after new struts 2. after replacing tie rod) so I'm even money right now.

Grego 92, how good are they about honoring the free alignment? Do they really do it for free each time, or do they try to upsell you things you don't need or add on fees? I've been thinking about getting the lifetime one at Firestone and wanted to know whether it's worth it.

[Grego 92]

Originally Posted by nopain00

Grego 92, how good are they about honoring the free alignment? Do they really do it for free each time, or do they try to upsell you things you don't need or add on fees? I've been thinking about getting the lifetime one at Firestone and wanted to know whether it's worth it.

I sent you a PM...I don't want to hijack the original posters thread, hate when that happens to my posts

[AnimatedMechanic]

Thanks for all the advice guys.