alignment question

[not5-0]

So I had my car aligned using car fixer specs and the car tracks straight but steering wheel is slightly off center. I did make sure tire pressure is correct. What is required to fix this? Thanks

[RF Overlord]

What is required to fix this? Bring it back and tell the alignment tech to do the job correctly this time.

[not5-0]

Bring it back and tell the alignment tech to do the job correctly this time.
normally I would but since I gave them the specs I'm anticipating them not backing up the job.

[justbob]

normally I would but since I gave them the specs I'm anticipating them not backing up the job.



The position of the wheel has nothing to do with the specs.


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[Gerry24]

Usually when you change the ball joints and pit arms on the front suspension the wheel gets out of wack and then the alignment rectifies it. :dunno:

[RF Overlord]

The position of the wheel has nothing to do with the specs.what justbob said

[fastblackmerc]

Usually when you change the ball joints and pit arms on the front suspension the wheel gets out of wack and then the alignment rectifies it. :dunno:

Only if the tech knows what he is doing.

[Blackmobile]

I took mine back 3 times with 3 different alignment techs until they got it right. The first run was on a machine that wasn't calibrated, 2nd tech had issues with the front being lowered. Replaced springs and had a 3rd tech (who knew what he was doing) got it right.

[slicktop carl]

Was going to bring this up whenever we get together here in Atlanta again. Did not know this was a condition. Story: Went to Mo's Speedshop to have my Baer Rotors turned. They discovered my rightside Swaybar Link was broken. The "Young Lady" put some miles on my '03 for a while and of course didn't report "every" pothole encountered. I knew of a minor curb incident on that side. Jeff at Mo's explained the original Ford Swaybar Links are weak and break when overstressed. They replaced both with MOOG products supposed to be more durable and come with grease fittings. THE RESULT: For the longest, after another alignment, I thought the car just drove that way, wasn't Bad, and I'd never get it as good as it was. Well, with this replacement, Phenomenally driving straight with ease !

[not5-0]

what justbob saidI should clarify, whenI hold the wheel straight, the car tracks to the left. I was just wondering if it would require a specific adjustment or complete realignment?

[Marauderman]

Bring it back and tell the alignment tech to do the job correctly this time.

EXACTLY--If wheel alignment was "supposedly" done to specs and road and wheel is straight and the car steers left to where correction is needed or end up in other lane, then ^^^ what he says ^^^^EXACTLY.


normally I would but since I gave them the specs I'm anticipating them not backing up the job.

What said above again--job not done correctly--period--regardless of what was used...



Only if the tech knows what he is doing.

.....and apparently like several, see below---this one didn't know either-- take it back!


I took mine back 3 times with 3 different alignment techs until they got it right. The first run was on a machine that wasn't calibrated, 2nd tech had issues with the front being lowered. Replaced springs and had a 3rd tech (who knew what he was doing) got it right.


Think we have rested our case here ---you know what to do--

[FordNut]

The tie rod ends need to be adjusted. If you adjust both sides equally it will move the steering wheel without messing up the alignment.

[minimarine09]

Toe... If toe isn't equal between both sides, WITH the steering wheel straight, when you start driving, the wheels automatically center, which then causes the steering wheel not to be centered. So basically like everyone said, guy didn't do it right.

Edit: just saw ford nuts reply, my bad. What he said

[MENINBLK]

Your wheel alignment and repairs are only as good as the tech who does them...

[Svashtar]

Sorry, know this is an older thread, but this seems to be the place for it. My experience: bought a new set of Nittos 23k miles ago, printed out Carfixers specs, and specifically asked the alignment guy to use them.

The rears will make it to the 30k easy, and the right front looks ok on the inside, but the left front inside is just gone. At least 1/4" or 3/8" eaten down to the steel for 1/2" on the inside.

I don't know anything about alignment. So, did they blow me off and do the oem alignment?

BUT, the wear indicators are also flush with the tread, so I'm just going to ask the dealer to adjust the tire based on the wear. They're at 80% in the front and about done, so I'll see about that, but thanks for any info on the alignment issues.

My guess is that they generally followed his specs, but maybe I hit a major pothole and tweaked it on that side only? Can't figure out why just one front inside would be so badly worn compared to the other.

Tnx.




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[RubberCtyRauder]

often need to eliminate the alignment flags to reach specs. they need air chiseled off. the flags are tackvwelded to the bolts minimizing adjustment

[RubberCtyRauder]

https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http%3A%2F%2Fi63 7.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fu u92%2Fmdnos%2Fflag_zpsa617e7b0 .jpg&imgrefurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cro wnvic.net%2Fubbthreads%2Fubbth reads.php%3Fubb%3Dshowflat%26N umber%3D2844548&docid=7fCX-bCZOX3y7M&tbnid=rNBGgysSlM9UjM%3A&vet=10ahUKEwjc4YDPiv3UAhXGyT4K HQoeC04QMwiMASgYMBg..i&w=1023&h=612&itg=1&client=ms-android-att-us&bih=335&biw=640&q=crown%20vic%20alignmentflags&ved=0ahUKEwjc4YDPiv3UAhXGyT4KH QoeC04QMwiMASgYMBg&iact=mrc&uact=8

[Svashtar]

Damn, don't know how I missed this info way back when, thanks. I saw something the other day in the Garage about "SPC Camber Bolts" and didn't know what they were talking about.

I have an air chisel and will get under there and see if I can cut off those flags without screwing them up, then take it back for another alignment on the next set of tires.

No idea what Ford was thinking here.

Thanks again for the info and the link.

--> By the way, I can either cut off the stock flags, OR just buy the SPC Camber Bolts meant for lowered cars, correct? Both solutions will allow the additional camber adjustment?

Tnx.


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