G37X GraSdadow

iTrader: (1)

So after I installed both the sport 19" wheels and new tires, I did the alignment right away.

Then drove few hours on highway and realized that the steering wheel is not centered. I mean on even road, the car is going straight centered but the steering wheel was not centered' shifted towards to left about 15 degrees.

I did the alignment at AAA so I went back and told them the technician might forgot to center off the alignment / adjust the tie rod.

Technician told me he will do what he can to make it centered. Also told me based on my car- he used the 17" factory oem/tire spec to align it and that was probably reason why it was not centered. Either way he said he will do the best he can do.

Now my question is that what do I need to tell them when I get next alignment so I can avoid this issue again? what 'template' should they use to align?

Thanks guys

jfisher

Centering the wheel has absolutely nothing to do with the physical alignment specs... It's a completely different adjustment to center the steering wheel. This is the problem with chain tire store alignments.

slartibartfast

iTrader: (7)

I'd be shocked if the alignment differed for the various wheel sizes.

The steering wheel position is adjusted by making equal but opposite changes in tie-rod positions on the front wheels. Done properly the steering wheel can be centered and the toe will be unchanged.

G37X GraSdadow

iTrader: (1)

Where do you guys usually get your alignment done?

Rochester

iTrader: (9)

Aren't you the guy who went (justifiably) ballistic because of a rear spoiler problem and customer service woes at his dealership?

And then recently had a shop tell him his rotors were "warped" (cough cough)?

Don't hate on me for seeing this as a pattern... but there's a pattern here.

Regardless, jfisher had the right answer. If it bugs you, go get it adjusted. I know it would drive me nuts.


I take my car to the Infiniti Service Department for alignments. Their technician let's me get right in there with him and help out. Well... I consider it helping, but I'm sure he looks at it as just being nice, LOL.

G37X GraSdadow

iTrader: (1)

Yes, yes and yes. Here is quick update.

Spoiler:
1) Previous dealer did a ****ty job on install
2) I got the $200 installation fees back, decided to fix it DYI -> Haven't work on the spoiler since it was so hot outside these days

Warped Rotors/tires/wheels/alignment:
1) Picked up a car from new dealer from diagnosis -> The issue was vibrating in braking in high speed -> service adviser told me the front rotors are warped;need to be machined -> decided to go for new sets(Not happened yet)
2) Right after I picked up my car in the morning I took it to Discount Tires and installed 19" and DWS 06 then went to work
3) Got my car back on lunch time, went to AAA for alignment and then went back to work.
4) Drove my car for a weekend trip -> realized my steering wheel is not centered and also realized I could use these rotors for some more time.
5) Today I dropped off the car in AAA for steering wheel adjustment.
6) I got a call like a hour ago that the car is 'done'. So we will see about that.

I guess I'm just not lucky with shops.

JSolo

iTrader: (14)

Might as well do it right from the get go.

Once the machine has been calibrated (compensated) to the car, first step is to center and lock the steering wheel using a tool similar to the one below. Then, the adjustments are made. I don't mean just being in spec, but having equal numbers on either side (def possibly with toe front/rear and camber in the rear). If you have adjustable links for caster, then that too can be set.

Problem is what's centered to the tech may not be center for you. Last time mine was done, they let me road test it afterwards which revealed a small tweak was needed.

jfisher

Are you dropped? If so I'd try and ask around for a good, quality performance alignment shop that really knows suspension. I learned this the hard way. Spent about $250 on chain tire store alignments and disappointment after disappointment I ponied up and went to a local performance alignment shop. More than worth what I paid.

SomeName

Ugh. Alignments. They're the worst when it comes to finding a good tech. I spent like a month tracking down an old mechanic buddy at his new garage just to find someone i trust.
The biggest issue, like previous poster said, is what looks centered to you is not always the same as the tech. The "centering procedure" that they do is extremely important. Some guys just turn it straight, call it good. The best way is to gradually rock it back and forth in smaller increments, granted this does take like 10 seconds longer.
Anyway, the guy is fos about the rim size being the problem. One thing mechanics have ALOT of: excuses. He probably didn't pay enough attention the first time.

G37X GraSdadow

iTrader: (1)

Ok- here is the update. Sorry for the delay.

I picked up my car on the same day and surprisingly it was 50/50 even. It was so straight.

So I talked to the mechanic and he said that the wheel size really doesn't matter to the alignment directly but when you put the size number on the machine it automatically center the wheels for you. He told me that all he did to center it was just put 18 instead of 19 on the alignment machine. (OEM size was 17, I had coupe 19. 17 and 18 were only available on the alignment machine)

Weird.