PDA

View Full Version : Possible tracking issue?


MattM
Thursday 15th October 2009, 12:54
When the steering wheel is straight the car goes to the right, so I have to compensate by holding the steering wheel slightly to the left to keep it in a straight line. Am I right in thinking I should get a 4 wheel alignment to see what the problem is? Volvo say £130.50 for this lovely service. Any advice?
cornclose
Thursday 15th October 2009, 13:49
Well a full laser four wheel alignment at my local independant specialist I think cost me less than £40. But yes, it's probably the first step.
Mrsmastiffs
Friday 16th October 2009, 07:39
I had a tyre replaced on my V70 at National about 2 weeks ago. At the time they said I had uneven tear wear and would I like my wheel alignment checked. They said the wheel alignment check itself was foc but should I need any adjustments it would cost £25. Just thought I would mention it as tbh I found my branch of National to be a pretty decent bunch of guys who showed no interest in ripping me off. As for my wheel alignment - it was spot on :)
nobananas
Friday 16th October 2009, 13:47
Your tracking may be fine but the steering wheel just isn't straight when the vehicle is driving straigh ahead (I assume this is what you mean rather than the vehicle is pulling to one side). Most garages with basic tracking equipment should be able to sort it out but do tell them that the wheel isn't straight as they may just check the tracking and report that it's ok. Four wheel alignment is better as they actually lock the steering wheel in the dead ahead position then align the front wheels to run true but places with four wheel alignment gear are far rarer than a garage with 'dunlop' style tracking gauges.
MattM
Sunday 18th October 2009, 10:29
Went to a garage, turns out the tracking was massively out. Also because of this the tire has worn in unevenly making it cause a slight pull of it's own.
Flatout Phil
Thursday 18th February 2010, 20:39
Your tracking may be fine but the steering wheel just isn't straight when the vehicle is driving straigh ahead (I assume this is what you mean rather than the vehicle is pulling to one side). Most garages with basic tracking equipment should be able to sort it out but do tell them that the wheel isn't straight as they may just check the tracking and report that it's ok. Four wheel alignment is better as they actually lock the steering wheel in the dead ahead position then align the front wheels to run true but places with four wheel alignment gear are far rarer than a garage with 'dunlop' style tracking gauges.

Mine booked in tomorrow for the full Hunter alignment monty (£155 - OUCH!) but have been meaning to get it sorted for a while so will have it done properly. Nasty feeling that offside lower wishbone bush may be iffy - so that will be checked BEFORE alignment!
nobananas
Thursday 18th February 2010, 23:03
Went to a garage, turns out the tracking was massively out. Also because of this the tire has worn in unevenly making it cause a slight pull of it's own.

Usually when tracking is out you will get identical wear patterns on both front tyres. If just one side is wearing unevenly (and you know the history of the front tyres) then it's often down to a camber issue on that wheel.