Steering wheel not horizontal after tracking adjustment - what is wrong ?

mikey72

property.advert wrote: »

Like getting a scale and polish from the dental hygienist, I get it checked every 6 months or whenever I feel it needs it. Keeps tyre wear and handling good and works out at only a few pounds a month over a year. If I want tyres rotated I get this done at the same time.

I wasn't aware the alignment was done with the car off the ground normally, and was thinking maybe something was bent, so when they lowered the car the wheels were twisting out again.

cyclonebri1

I was thinking the same, hadf the car had a knock and shifted camber on one side?

To be honest if it was fine when it went in and is'nt now they have cocked up, it may be the same place but is it the same person ??? Get it back to them.

I really have to question the OPs rational in getting the tracking checked every few months. If it ain't broke don't fix it is the old adage that springs to mind.

And having said that, if it wasn't out when it went in why did they adjust it, (and screw it up), if only to relieve you of your hard earned??

Just as an example I kept my last car for almost 8 years without so much as kerbing an alloy. It wore tyres down normally and was never tracked in all the time I had it.

Mentioned as this is after all a money saving forum.;);)

mikey72

As you say, something must have changed if they had to adjust it, I suppose mine lasts years as well untouched.

Ball joint, or top bearing gone maybe?

System

As part of the tracking adjustment, the garage should have done the basic suspension and steering checks to make sure that bearings, joints and other components are all in good condition.

Since they said the tracking changed after the first time they adjusted it, then either their equipment is faulty, or their technician doesn't know how to do the job, or the steering / suspension has a problem which is allowing the steering geometry to change (in a way it is not supposed to)

property.advert

mikey72 wrote: »

I wasn't aware the alignment was done with the car off the ground normally, and was thinking maybe something was bent, so when they lowered the car the wheels were twisting out again.

Done with laser things attached to all four wheels. Driven onto the machine and then up in the air. I suspect in part to give access to the car from underneath to complete adjustments more easily.

I believe the car is still supporting its own weight, just up in the air.

property.advert

cyclonebri1 wrote: »

I was thinking the same, hadf the car had a knock and shifted camber on one side?

To be honest if it was fine when it went in and is'nt now they have cocked up, it may be the same place but is it the same person ??? Get it back to them.

I really have to question the OPs rational in getting the tracking checked every few months. If it ain't broke don't fix it is the old adage that springs to mind.

And having said that, if it wasn't out when it went in why did they adjust it, (and screw it up), if only to relieve you of your hard earned??

Just as an example I kept my last car for almost 8 years without so much as kerbing an alloy. It wore tyres down normally and was never traked in all the time I had it.

Mentioned as this is after all a money saving forum.;);)

I completely agree but as it is free to check and they provide the computer diagnosis printout prior to even starting any work, it sometimes isn't needed and sometimes it is. Obviously I don't have anything done when there is no need.

property.advert

BAA1 wrote: »

As part of the tracking adjustment, the garage should have done the basic suspension and steering checks to make sure that bearings, joints and other components are all in good condition.

Since they said the tracking changed after the first time they adjusted it, then either their equipment is faulty, or their technician doesn't know how to do the job, or the steering / suspension has a problem which is allowing the steering geometry to change (in a way it is not supposed to)

Been back this morning and spoke to their gaffer. He (and after googling so do I to a degree) think the machine might need recalibration and he is organising that in the next day or so.

I'll get it put back through then and report back. Thanks again for all the advice.