Why when my steering wheel is centered my car pulls left after getting a front end alignment ( didn’t do this before the alignment )
Posted by FlashyCompetition167@reddit | Autos | View on Reddit | 12 comments
FlashyCompetition167@reddit (OP)
UPDATE: the shop explained to me that the rear camber is affecting the steering, which makes sense because before my alignment he mentioned that it can do that, he recommended I get rear camber arms so they can adjust the camber and align the rear. One side is -3.0 and the other is -3.6. Also he said the front tires could have wore down enough from not getting an alignment that they can now affect my steering. This is a good shop in my area with great customer service, he even gave me 20$ off because they were busy when my appointment was scheduled, let me know what you guys think. Thanks a lot
trapped_outta_town2@reddit
What kind of car is this? From the cars I've had over the years (Japanese stuff, German stuff) the only time I had off-center steering following an alignment was when the alignment place didn't do a good job.
Part of the alignment is actually using the computer-based alignment tool to get everything lined up as close as possible for maximum safety and minimize tyer wear, but there is also a second part to it and that is aligning the tie rods so the wheel is straight as the car goes straight. Unfortunately, the vast majority of people have terrible attention to detail and/or just don't care to do a good job, so they skip the second part completely.
Yes, shit might be a little bent from that one time you hit a pothole a little too hard or worn out from general wear & tear but they can still align it so that your steering is actually straight when you're going straight. If they can't do that I'd find a new shop to be honest.
FlashyCompetition167@reddit (OP)
It’s a Acura TSX… so the rear won’t affect the steering up front? You think they just want me to spend more money with them? This is the same reason I did all the suspension up front by myself cus I don’t trust shops but sadly I don’t have an alignment machine lol.
trapped_outta_town2@reddit
Yeah personally I'd be taking it to another shop. I understand where you're coming from. I used to do all my work myself but ultimately some tasks require specialized tooling that is just impractical to purchase for home use.
AyeAye711@reddit
You may have directional tyres. They have little arrows on them. Make sure they all point towards front
Bovaloe@reddit
The direction is just for the water channels, it won't cause it to pull
VampyreLust@reddit
All of the things that people have suggested are possible reasons. Personally if I paid someone to do an alignment and had this issue, I would just go back and tell them to fix it cuz I'm assuming it wasn't this way before and do you have time to troubleshoot and worry about this?
juwyro@reddit
The steering wheel may have not been centered when they did the alignment. It happens a lot. Besides checking the tire pressures take it back in to be checked.
FlashyCompetition167@reddit (OP)
That’s what I’m thinking too thanks
TurkishSwag@reddit
Easiest thing to check would be tire pressure, if either tire on the left side is low it’ll pull. They could have also done the alignment wrong, a lot of alignment places are surprisingly terrible at alignments.
FlashyCompetition167@reddit (OP)
Yeah like my steering wheel will be slightly right and it goes straight then when I center it, my car goes slightly left… I’ll check tire pressure, if it’s not that I’m bringing it back.. thanks for your input
TurkishSwag@reddit
Definitely do that, you’re welcome!