When is wheel alignment actually worth doing?

[Legojon]

So... just got back from the garage. I hit a massive pothole in April after which I had a 4 wheel alignment (hunter). I've now gone back today and apparently my tracking is out again despite weaving around every pothole and bump I can find. I never go up kerbs. Another £55 later and I'm good to go again...

I'm feeling a bit dejected as the next time I hit a tiny pothole, the tracking will likely be out again. But for example, my front left wheel had -0.01 toe. If that's degrees then that's 1/100th of a degree. Is that really worth £55 to correct? Or have I just been sold a sales line?

I also had 0.15 toe on the front right and -0.10 toe on rear right.

 

[andycupra]

do they offer a free check? or will they charge you regardless?

sounds like it was unncessary, but if you are a business, have put got you there, equipment put on, with the time and effort required, its sad to say not many places will say you are fine no need.
its also very easy to provide figures that look like work needs doing if they were so inclined.

Sounds like in your case the figures were probably legit and would be consistent with a car that has been aligned and then looked after.
There is also the issue that if the tracking is out by a fair margin, if can be adjusted, but will soon be out a little as give and play moves things a little as the new set up settles in..

 

[OldManPooley]

The biggest thing to look at is if your tyres are wearing evenly. If they are i wouldnt bother redoing it. Its a money making thing for garages in my eyes, as its a quick and easy job

Many years ago you only checked the tracking if your tyres were wearing uneven and thats what i still do

If it handles well and your tyres are evenly worn i wouldnt bother.

 

[Legojon]

do they offer a free check? or will they charge you regardless?

Yeah, they check for free. But when your cars up on ramps with clamps on every wheel and he's showing you a piece of paper full of red boxes... AND... the printout shows all the wheels straight before and after but the computer shows the wheel alignment wildly exaggerated. Almost like how you get obsessed getting the bubble in the centre of a spirit level.

 

[t121anf]

Going off the drone from my rear wheels and the fact 2 places have told me they are the shape of a 50p mind needs doing, however wear wise it's even.

 

[OldManPooley]

sounds more like wheel bearings

 

[andycupra]

Going off the drone from my rear wheels and the fact 2 places have told me they are the shape of a 50p mind needs doing, however wear wise it's even.

this will be shock has gone most likely

 

[t121anf]

At 31k I hope both of you are wrong for seats sake, when I google it other Vag forums all said wheel alignment.

 

[Asce]

Sounds like camber is out and wearing the inner edge.

 

[kazand]

At 31k I hope both of you are wrong for seats sake, when I google it other Vag forums all said wheel alignment.

It's a common issue on the Mk2 , it seems to vary depending on the make of tyre fitted. It does sound like a wheel bearing, but the inside edge of the tyre will have worn like a thrupenny bit - or 50p for you young decimalist's .

 

[t121anf]

Saw toothing s what I read about.

 

[Asce]

It's a common issue on the Mk2 , it seems to vary depending on the make of tyre fitted. It does sound like a wheel bearing, but the inside edge of the tyre will have worn like a thrupenny bit - or 50p for you young decimalist's .

Had this on a set of budgets on the rear. Feathered the inner edge that much you could see the saw tooth effect on it. Have a set of Falkens on and had no issues.

 

[vantastic84]

So... just got back from the garage. I hit a massive pothole in April after which I had a 4 wheel alignment (hunter). I've now gone back today and apparently my tracking is out again despite weaving around every pothole and bump I can find. I never go up kerbs. Another £55 later and I'm good to go again...

I'm feeling a bit dejected as the next time I hit a tiny pothole, the tracking will likely be out again. But for example, my front left wheel had -0.01 toe. If that's degrees then that's 1/100th of a degree. Is that really worth £55 to correct? Or have I just been sold a sales line?

I also had 0.15 toe on the front right and -0.10 toe on rear right.

If it had 0.15 on the right and -0.1 on the left and both rear flags were on the same numbers ie 10 left and 10 right then your tracking was correct!

Basically if your tracking should be set at 0.14 from manufacturers guidelines then its set correctly on the front as you take away 0.1 from 0.15
The rears must line up on the correct marks tho and the car must be running (due to powersteering influence) with the steering clamped down!

 

[CJRamze]

If its out of whack that easily I'd be checking bushings and other components.

Didn't my mk1 Leon once in 3 years, checked twice after and in limits.

Had my 350z done last week. All good apart from rear camber... Can't do much about that right now,

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