Everytime I get an alignment, after a short amount of time(3 months), the steering wheel begins to pull to the side, and the tires begin to be eaten away unevenly(especially in the inner parts of the rear tires). Doesn't seem that it should happen in such a short amount of time after getting an alignment. Also after each fresh alignment, the steering wheel is never perfectly straight. About a few centimeters off.

I asked a few people about what it could be, and these are the responses I got -

1)Check tire PSI(done, and it was fine)
2)Worn Tie Rods(should I do a "dry park test"?)
3)Worn out suspension components(suspension feels fine, except a bit too much body roll)
4)Alignment not being done properlly
Some other things, but I forgot...

Im about to purchase a set of brand new tires, get them balanced, and get an alignment very soon. I want this next alignment to be as perfect as possible. Can you guys give me any good advice on what I should check out, before going for the allignment itself? Thanks alot.

Edit: My steering wheel shakes when I go over about 60 mph. Could that be the tie rods and the cause of this alignment issue?

 

I have the same problem. Even after an alignment, the car pulls SLIGHTLY to the right. No uneven tire wear, though.

 

The lower ball joints go easily, raise wheel and check for play. None should exist. They are cheap; however, without proper tools pinion is a hard job to loosen...

The wide tires cause always changing pull on sides on worn groovy roads. Also worn axle bearings may cause problems. Power steering is one cause, actually there is one TSB for early 3gen models which explains whattodo in case of pull during acceleration.

Alignment is a DIY job, check out, click on:
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/748507/18

If the alignment is done only on one side (see pic), that results steering wheel being tilted. Not a problem, and may be corrected by repositioning steering wheel. (The alignment should be done by adjusting both side adjust screwss (2.) equally.)




lower ball joint R&R: www.autozone.com

 

I would hold off buying the tires until you can get your alignment correct.

As for suggestions, I would advise you to:

1. check tie rod ends, and check their conditions physically (look at them thoroughly)
2. physically check your ball joints
3. check and make sure your wheel bearings are not shot
4. check sway bar bushings

As for the rear, check sway bar bushings, and parallel link bushings, they are most likely goner.

Finally, make sure your lug nuts are tightened correctly, and do a suspension bounce test.

That's all I can think of right now. Hope others more knowledgeable can fill in.

 

So normally, new tires are purchased after the allignment has been done? This is a hunch, but won't driving on the old beat up tires after the alignment throw the fresh settings off again?

Edit: I have done the "shock bounce test" and it passed with flying colors. Also the lug nuts are all tightened to 80 ft. lbs.

Editx2: I don't think the wheel bearings are shot. I would hear it.

 

one question......have you been taking it to the same place from the first time, cause if so then take it somewhere else. Chances are if youve had it done that many times at one place then they are doing it wrong. But, make sure that you check all of the links and things mentioned earlier in the post also.

 

Bad shocks result in patchy wear. Alignment is off, if wear is even all around, on the edges. Alignment does not change if u swap tires - at least if change is done properly. Go and read those given links, theres some great edu... no need for questions after reading those arTicles.

 

A note to add, some places will do an alignment anyway even if some components are worn out/broken and will not tell you about it. As a result, your alignment will not hold because of broken components. Nothing really helpful, just a suggestion. Good luck though.

 

Yeah, I know. Thats what I think happened everytime. They probably align my worn parts.

 

Mostly yes, not always so. But you can feel it --->"...go easily, raise wheel and check for play. None should exist."

 

If you can't/don't want to do the alignment yourself, Sears does a good job. Also, they will refuse to perform an alignment if you have worn/bad/broken components.

 

sometimes they dont adjust the caster to compensate for road crown...

 

How much is Sears alignment? I was quoted 170 at some local shop and I ran out the door. They told me it is a two hour job plus they need the car for one additional hour for a "road test."

 

that is crazy, i got mine at good year for 65

 

It could be worn parts.

More likely though, you're either driving aggressively or driving on bad roads. Theoretically, you can **** up your alignment on the next turn out of an alignment shop on the next pothole. The situation is exacerbated with frontwheel drive since it's more prone to aligment issues than RWD. I know a corvette guy who hasn't needed alignment in 15 years.

Find a place that has 3-year or lifetime alignment options. That way you don't throw away hundreds of dollars every year. Tires plus is pretty good and some other chains like tire kingdom offer it as well.

 

how long does it take to align a car?

 

Depends how good youre guessing. After each adjustment/tightening, you must re-check. DIY typical 5 to 30minutes, check 1minute.

One quarter adj turn means approx 1mm (1/25 inch) toe in.