Wheel Alignment
- Thread starter 215Expedition
- Start date
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thewizardatst24
Member
Front end alignment
Do it yourself. Use big Teflon baking pans under the front wheels to allow them to turn easily.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AuYsd7SUwTA
Do it yourself. Use big Teflon baking pans under the front wheels to allow them to turn easily.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AuYsd7SUwTA
BAD RONALD
Full Access Members
The video shows how to check for alignment. There is no instruction provided to the OP on how to do an alignment.
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IMINYOURCHAIR
Full Access Members
I am in the same boat. would greatly appreciate a solution too
BAD RONALD
Full Access Members
If I had a really good indy shop locally that only did alignments I would do business with them.
Because I do not, I bought an unlimited lifetime alignment contract from Firestone. I am at the mercy of how experienced the local Firestone's current alignment guy is, but so far so good. I purchased the deal with a "$50 off" internet coupon. I break even when the second alignment is done.
Because I do not, I bought an unlimited lifetime alignment contract from Firestone. I am at the mercy of how experienced the local Firestone's current alignment guy is, but so far so good. I purchased the deal with a "$50 off" internet coupon. I break even when the second alignment is done.
IMINYOURCHAIR
Full Access Members
I thought I had a good one here. but when I tried to get tires and an alignment done they tried to charge me $800 parts/labor and had parts I didn't need listed. I did the parts myself for way less. now I just need the wheel fixed.
IMINYOURCHAIR
Full Access Members
so, is the conclusion to just have a front end alignment done to get the wheel back in line? Or is there something that a diy can do?
I suggest finding a small mom and pop type of alignment shop and get the alignment first. Then get the tires from a different store.
If your front end needs some repairs, some reputable alignment shops will not do the alignment unless you fix the problem. If your wheel is that far off, I would guess you might need some new parts installed. Unless the vehicle was in an accident.
I would shy away from large chain tire stores that also do alignments. They always seem to find something wrong that will cost you extra. I had just rebuilt the front end on one of my vehicles years ago and they were telling me I needed new ball joints.
This is just based off of my personal experiences, YMMV.
IMINYOURCHAIR
Full Access Members
the only thing left to be replaced is the tie rod end boots. they are torn but have zero play. I have replaced : lower ball joints, upper control arms/ball joints, pitman arm, Idler arm was replaced prior to purchase. I have already gotten new tires but have yet to do the alignment. and the off center wheel was noticed after the pitman arm was replaced. I suspect that an alignment was done before that was replaced and the wheel wasn't center at the time..
the truck was in a mild collision but the appropriate parts were replaced. the sway bar looked to be the only part that came from salvage based on the orange hand painted stripe near the center.
the truck was in a mild collision but the appropriate parts were replaced. the sway bar looked to be the only part that came from salvage based on the orange hand painted stripe near the center.
tonydiv
technical advisor
With the computerized laser alignment systems that nearly all tire centers have these days , coupled with the cheap prices, there's no reason not to have the pros do it.
splintrcel
Full Access Members
i had my wheels aligned at a shop and it came back with the steering wheel 10 to 15 degrees off center when teh truck is going straight. Isnt there a way to adjust the steering wheel position so that when the wheels are straight the steering wheel is too?
BAD RONALD
Full Access Members
Yeah there is... you take it back to the shop and tell the tech who was too lazy to straighten the wheel to do the job right.
This kinda sloppy sh*t drives me nuts.
This kinda sloppy sh*t drives me nuts.
FordandPolaris
Full Access Members
I had the same issue and had to take it in a few times to get it right. The guy told me my truck had "memory steer" and I told him it had ****-eyed syndrome. He told me to put it where I wanted it to be straight so I did, and it came out perfect haha.
Like Ronald said, take it back and tell them they did not do it correctly. They will test drive it and see.
Like Ronald said, take it back and tell them they did not do it correctly. They will test drive it and see.
IMINYOURCHAIR
Full Access Members
No, the steering wheel is keyed. as in it will only go on in one place in relation to the splines on the shaft. Believe me, I tried that. you should've turned around and had them fix it as soon as you realized that it was off.
I've been fortunate enough to have used the same mechanic for the past 25 years. He has used the same front end alignment shop the whole time. I replaced every part of the suspension (except the air shocks) and when aligned, I got a detailed computer print out with the details of how bad the alignment was and what adjustments were made.
My 98 Expy drives like a new vehicle BTW.
If the wheel is that far off, I must ask if your vehicle dog tracks at all?
My 98 Expy drives like a new vehicle BTW.
If the wheel is that far off, I must ask if your vehicle dog tracks at all?
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