Car Wheel Tracking Cost

Bloke
Bloke Posts: 192 Forumite
Got a problem with my car pulling over to the left especially at motorway speeds so I'm thinking I need to get the tracking checked?

Anyone any idea of an approximate cost of having this done? I'm away so going to have to get wife to take it in and she wants to know how much it's likely to be as in her own words 'I don't want to be ripped of because I'm a woman and don't know what I'm talking about - ask those friendly people on MSE you're always talking about and ask them how much I should have to pay'.

Thanks,

Paul.
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Comments

  • Crabman
    Crabman Posts: 9,943
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    As a general rule I never pay over £20, the costs are usually fixed though, e.g. my local Kwik-Fit is £24.95 but a little garage is £19. May be an idea for you to phone in advance, get the price, then ensure she isn't charged for any extra jobs, etc. if that's what you're worried about.

    If she's into DIY she could try this :D
  • Bloke
    Bloke Posts: 192 Forumite
    Thanks Crabman, if I could get someone to go over and film her with a camcorder trying to do that I'd be quids in, I'm sure plenty of You've Been Framed type shows would be interested in the ensuing hilarities! :D

    Those prices seem fair for the job, I'll let her know the approx cost.

    Thanks again.
  • vansboy
    vansboy Posts: 6,483
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    Just about any tyre shop will give a FREE check but just about ANY car WILL have the tracking 'out'!!

    The cost as above is pretty much correct, except the more specialist tyre centres, with 4 whell allignment systems (Supertracker) which can be £60+. Most cars won't REALLY need this, but just so long as you're aware of the differences in £$"£$£

    Also is this a new problem, maybe you've a slow puncture, bumpaed a kerb, hit a traffic (H)carming road obstacle, or just not noticed it before?

    Worth having it done, even with budget priced tyres, it'll save a few £$£$, instead of early replacement & make driving more comfortable!

    VB
  • Tracking is 2 wheel alignment and is not of much use

    You really need a 4-wheel alignment, where it tracks the rear wheels, then centers the steering wheel, and finally adjusts the toe on the front.

    The good news is its not to expensive, a standard a car- maybe £30-£40 pounds.


    2-wheel tracking will not solve tracking problems- bear that in mind
  • also what car is it? if only front toe is adjustable it will be cheap
  • roddydogs
    roddydogs Posts: 7,478
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    The trouble with tracking is you will never know if its been done properly.
    Every car has a different amount of Toe-in or whatever.
    Ive paid before and watched a young lad fiddle about under the car, to do it properly BOTH track rod ends have to be loosened, in an old car the nuts are usually seized so they just go thru the motions, pretend theyve done something. its not until several hundred miles later that you will know if anything has been done, how may people check their tyres with a gage after every, say 100 miles, then they can always say "you must have bumped a kerb it was correct when it left us!:cool:
  • Bloke
    Bloke Posts: 192 Forumite
    The car is a Honda Civic Sport 05 plate. I only noticed the issue after I'd had two tyres replaced, but the place I got them changed at (Costco) don't do wheel tracking and I'm led to believe it's unlikely this could actually be the cause of the problem?
  • Little_John
    Little_John Posts: 4,033 Forumite
    You had 2 tyres replaced and you now have a problem?
    I would check that the tyres are the same on each axle (both the front tryes or both the rears match), fitted the correct way most tyres are directional if 1 is the wrong way it could case it to pull. check the try preasures I have had tyres done and a fauly valve or just not inflated enough has caused problems.
  • greyteam1959
    greyteam1959 Posts: 4,565
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    Dont bother getting the tracking checked take the car back to where you had the tyres fitted and TELL them to sort it out.
    Its their problem and as far as I can see this is a safety related problem and should be sorted by them immediately
  • vansboy
    vansboy Posts: 6,483
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    Did the new tyres go on the rear - this is accepted as THE correct axle for new rubber, as it will be more efficient when brakes are applied, especially in wet conditions.

    & yes, I'd agree to let the tyre seller investigate, if there is a problem with the new tyres, although I'd doubt this.

    My guess is you've new tyres on the front & now the tracking adjustment that was needed anyway, is more apperent, due to the new tyres.

    & on your model, a 4 wheel check would be £$£$£ well spent.

    VB
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