Think My Alignment's Off, Anything Else I Should Check?
 

I've decided that the alignment on my car is messed up, and I'm about to contact a local import mechanic to fix it for me. I checked out my two front tires the other day when I was painting my brake calipers and the wear is very uneven. The bad part is they're new tires :( One of the tires is wearing bad on the outer edge, and the other is wearing bad on the inner edge. Plus, if I let go of my steering wheel while driving, the car basically drives itself off the road. Finally, when I get up to about 60 mph I can feel some vibration in the wheel, the shifter, and the whole car in general.

Is it safe to say that the alignment is causing all of these problems? When I'm getting it fixed is there any other routine maintenance that I will want to have done? Balancing, rotation, etc???? I'm pretty much clueless in that area....:rolleyes:

Your first two problems (uneven tire wear and pulling to one side) are most likely alignment, but don't go to an import shop, go to a GOOD alignment/tire store. Ask around about a good place to go, they should be able to help out.

As for the vibration, have the tires rebalanced while it's being aligned, they may be off. Otherwise it's probably wear in the front end somewhere (ball joints, tie rods, CV joints, bushings, etc.) As these cars get old, parts need replacing. If the alignment/rebalance doesn't cure it, take it to the import shop and get their opinion.

tom

I probably should've been a little more clear... the place I'm taking it to is an import shop, that specializes in alignment. How bout that? Can't go wrong there! :D I've already asked around town, and everyone keeps telling me they're the best around here, so as far as that goes, I'm in good hands.

How exactly do they rebalance the tires? What does this procedure entail?

I think the thing that started this whole mess was when I hit a HUGE possum while going about 65 mph. Could that have thrown off my alignment?? The whole side of the car went up in the air. He was one healthy boy, i'll tell you that....haha....:D

What are you feeding those opossums out there to make them toss your car in the air?? Must be good...

By rebalancing I mean double checking the balance and if it's off, breaking the bead on the tire, moving it a little on the rim, and balancing it again. Neither tires nor wheels are perfectly balanced (hence the weights they add) and it's possible to get both 'bad' spots together and have a setup that's just not good. Rare, but possible.

And yes, hitting the opossum could mess up the alignment, just like hitting a big pothole. Some old, wornout bushing may have gotten tweaked, definately get it checked.

Hope this helps,
tom

Will do. I'm planning on getting it checked this week. As for that possum, I don't know what to tell you. I guess Indiana just knows how to grow 'em. The right half of the car did get off of the ground though, and that's not an exaggeration. That thing was friggin' huge!!

most definitely alignment...did you add a strut bar?? if its on really tight,make sure the shop compensates for that....