Sorry for Dupilcate post:

1999 Maxima SE -- Here is my question, the dealer and NTB (checked tire pressure and no noticeable damage) both have looked at the alignment and stated that it is within specs. However, I’m still experiencing a pull to the left (pretty noticeable on the expressway). My wife, who I love dearly, is a pothole magnet, if the alignment is within specs is it still possible to have bent or damaged parts? Has anyone had experience with dealer computer specs being off? We have rotated the tires from front to back and crisscrossed on the front, still no luck. Live in IL (near Chicago) Lake County to be exact.


Thanks for the help!

 

The trouble with some shops (especially the guys who advertise a $39.95 "special") is that if a wheel is anywhere within the "factory spec" range they won't adjust it at all. Their attitude is "Duh, it meets the spec, that's good enough." You have to find the skilled technician who will take the time to adjust your car until each of the four wheels is at the Nominal specification, or as close as humanly possible. Be prepared to pay extra for this because it takes extra time.


These alignment specifications are from the '99 Maxima factory service manual.

FRONT WHEEL ALIGNMENT

Camber, in degrees.
-1.00 Minimum
-0.25 Nominal
+0.50 Maximum
+0.75 Maximum left and right difference

Caster, in degrees
+2.00 Minimum
+2.75 Nominal
+3.50 Maximum
+0.75 Maximum left and right difference

Kingpin inclination, in degrees
+13.50 Minimum
+14.25 Nominal
+15.00 Maximum

Total toe-in distance, in millimeters
+1 Minimum
+2 Nominal
+3 Maximum

Total toe-in angle (left plus right), in degrees
+0.09 Minimum
+0.18 Nominal
+0.27 Maximum


REAR WHEEL ALIGNMENT

Camber, in degrees
-1.75 Minimum
-1.00 Nominal
-0.25 Maximum

Total toe-in distance, in millimeters
-3 Minimum
+1 Nominal
+5 Maximum

Total toe-in angle (left plus right), in degrees
-0.27 Minimum
+0.09 Nominal
+0.43 Maximum

 

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration maintains an on-line database of recalls and Technical Service Bulletins. Unfortunately, this database contains only summary information. However, I found a TSB which applies to your Maxima and it looks interesting. You might ask the service manager at your Nissan dealer for details.

Service Bulletin Number: NTB98081
Bulletin Sequence Number: 330
Date of Bulletin: 9810
NHTSA Item Number: SB603281
Make: NISSAN
Model: MAXIMA
Year: 1999
Component: SUSPENSION
Summary: VEHICLES EXHIBITING STEERING PULL AND / OR DRIFT WHEN DRIVEN AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. *YC


You may search the NHTSA database by going to
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/proble...ervicemmy1.cfm

 

I have the same problem with my 1998.. plus other things the NTSB mentions, such as left rear door not working with keyless entry system, and humming from heater fan at low speeds.. any suggestion on how to fix these... because my dealer will not do anything..

 

I've had my car for 6 months now and the alignments only been correct for about three weeks since I bought it. I'm taking my car in for a second time tomorrow.

 

I'm wondering if we have any re-course agaist the dealers???

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Tonyh

Quote:

I'm wondering if we have any re-course agaist the dealers???

You have every right to expect a dealer to fulfill the warranty promise. It is helpful to establish a good relationship with your dealer service manager. Try to develop an understanding that "we will work together to solve these problems."

Nissan-USA employs a team of expert troubleshooters whose job title is Dealer Technical Specialist. These people visit each dealership in their territory once or twice per month. They evaluate "problem cars" and coach the dealer's technicians through the repair process. They may even work on your car themselves. Their attitude is "I will leave no stone unturned until you are a satisfied customer".

If your dealer can't fix your car, ask him to make an appointment for your car to be checked by his regional Dealer Technical Specialist. You will be impressed by the skill and professionalism these fellows display.

 

Just got my alignment chacked out. it turns out to be a radial pull in the right front tire. So they rotated the tires. No more pull.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Daniel B. Martin

Quote:

Originally posted by Tonyh

Quote:

I'm wondering if we have any re-course agaist the dealers???

You have every right to expect a dealer to fulfill the warranty promise. It is helpful to establish a good relationship with your dealer service manager. Try to develop an understanding that "we will work together to solve these problems."


If your dealer can't fix your car, ask him to make an appointment for your car to be checked by his regional Dealer Technical Specialist. You will be impressed by the skill and professionalism these fellows display.

I think I gonna throw some snow tires on the front, haven't seen this much snow is 5 years, then re-check alignment.

Thanks for all your help, and what a great forum! :->

Now the question is do you have digital cabe of SAT?

 

I don't understand this question. Please elaborate.

 

it seems i have the same problem...i bought my 2000 17" rims and ever since my car's been slightly pullin to the right,..wtf?