When driving at freeway speeds with clear road I notice a tendancy to drift gently to thr right, then the left. Had wheels aligned, in whicg they corrected the toein a little, but it still is noticible. What else should be checked?
It could be road crown? I would try a different car and see if it is the road.
That's what the dealer said, but I noticed all the way on a round trip from LA to Phoenix. And yesterday I noticed it on a local freeway in Orange County. Can't be road effect everywhere. My other car is a '76 Jaguar and I don't notice it when driving it.
Could also be a caster issue. Positive caster improves straight line tracking because the caster line intersects the ground ahead of the point where the tire contacts the road. When the wheel is forced behind the pivot line it allows the vehicle to track in a straight line.
I'd highly recommend going to another mechanic regarding this issue. I've dealt with a shop in the past that performed an alignment, botched it, and failed the second time to correct the issue which was both front tires toed 4 degrees to the left. Took it to another shop and immediately corrected. Again, try another mechanic.
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2008 Highlander Base 4WD
2002 Avalon XL
1987 Suzuki Samurai 4X4 - Treading where no Jeep can follow....
Could also be a caster issue. Positive caster improves straight line tracking because the caster line intersects the ground ahead of the point where the tire contacts the road. When the wheel is forced behind the pivot line it allows the vehicle to track in a straight line.
I'd highly recommend going to another mechanic regarding this issue. I've dealt with a shop in the past that performed an alignment, botched it, and failed the second time to correct the issue which was both front tires toed 4 degrees to the left. Took it to another shop and immediately corrected. Again, try another mechanic.
Thanks.
I've have little to no experience with alignment, but if I'm reading the report it looks like caster is OK. The only thing that they had to nudge back into range was the toe in. See http://www.efsowell.us/ed/Avalon/Alignment0511_2011.jpg
Perhaps Longo Toyoto's alignment equipment is out of adjustment or being misused? I hate to spend another $100.
It's quite possible that, if you're still using the tires that were on the car before the toe-in was adjusted, the tires may be the culprit. If those are the same tire, try rotating them front-to-rear and see if that improves things.
It's quite possible that, if you're still using the tires that were on the car before the toe-in was adjusted, the tires may be the culprit. If those are the same tire, try rotating them front-to-rear and see if that improves things.
i'd guess the tires too first. But I'd also guess the Jag has wider better tires as well, and that might be why you don't feel a road crown as much. Also check tire pressure as well, if it is extreme, that could cause issues.
My Yaris wanders quite a bit, but it always has. Sometimes it is just the car and everything is fine.
On an Avalon, There isn't a caster adjustment. If your caster is off, you've bent something. Camber and Toe would be the only adjustments on the car.
If you're sure that crown isn't an issue, check your tires. If you've got the alignment specs(after the adjustment) and they are "in", Then you're tires are likely the issue.
What tires do you have? Are they directional? Directional tires are notorious for pulling.
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"Fools", said I, "You do not know, silence like a cancer grows.
Hear my words that I might teach you. Take my arms that I might reach you"
But my words, like silent raindrops fell, and echoed, in the wells of silence.....
Jason Johnston
Toyota/Scion of Des Moines
(800)342-7045
I've have little to no experience with alignment, but if I'm reading the report it looks like caster is OK. The only thing that they had to nudge back into range was the toe in. See http://www.efsowell.us/ed/Avalon/Alignment0511_2011.jpg
Perhaps Longo Toyoto's alignment equipment is out of adjustment or being misused? I hate to spend another $100.
Ed
Ed, run--don't walk--from Longo Toyota! That's my personal opinion, but I would not trust their service department. You mentioned you're in Orange County, I know of a couple respectable private mechanics/local shops that can get your Avalon properly aligned. If you're interested just give a yell.
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2008 Highlander Base 4WD
2002 Avalon XL
1987 Suzuki Samurai 4X4 - Treading where no Jeep can follow....
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Took it to another shop and immediately corrected. Again, try another mechanic.
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