Everything about Wheel Alignment: Post your queries here

Monaro CV8 · 13th March 2010, 00:47

@ Nikhil: Great Info there on WA & WB!

I've been having my own set of wobble issues with my Octavia 1.9TDi.
The vibrations can be felt on the steering wheel when the odo hits 80kmph, and wane out after 100 kmph.
The car also normally tends to steer to the left on an even road (irrespective of the speed).

The Car has got new suspensions - all 4, & left tyre rod end replaced, during the last service, around 3000km back.

Thought the wobble might be coz of the old tyres nearing their life.

Have got new Alloys + tyres 1.5 weeks back; got them twice rechecked for wheel alignment & balancing.
Still the same wobble! Even the co-driver can feel the car wobble/ vibrations in his legs resting on the car floor.

Would request your advise on this mysterious issue with my car.
Am stuck with this problem now and cant enjoy my new wheels.

Please help!!

Raccoon · 13th March 2010, 01:26

^^^Whether the tyres look fine or pretty or grotesque, they should be rotated after 5 k km!

p$p · 13th March 2010, 08:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by Monaro CV8

Have got new Alloys + tyres 1.5 weeks back; got them twice rechecked for wheel alignment & balancing.
Still the same wobble! Even the co-driver can feel the car wobble/ vibrations in his legs resting on the car floor.

The problem could be associated with linkage, suspension, wheel bearings etc.

jinojohnt · 15th March 2010, 14:03

One malpractice I have seen while getting wheel aligned (at a prominent center in Trivandrum):-

What the mechanic is supposed to do:
1. Check alignment.
2. Unlock the alignment locks
3. Correct the wheel alignment
4. Lock the alignment locks (while the alignment is still correct)
5. Take a print out of the result.

What the mechanic actually does:
1. Check alignment.
2. Unlock the alignment locks
3. Correct the wheel alignment
4. Take a print out of the result before Locking the Alignment locks back in.
5. Lock the alignment locks (The alignment would have changed by this time, but the print out shows 'correct' alignment)

This makes the job easier and faster for the mechanic, but I feel the customer is taken for a ride.

Raccoon · 17th March 2010, 00:41

^^^Very interesting. So its possible to take a print out with this short cut method?

My alignment was done after changing the rear bearings but the wheels still feel slightly out of alignment. It was done at Millenium. Dunno if it was done this way. But they didn't give me a print out anyway, as they said the printer is currently not working. I intend to take it back to them.

Nikhilb2008 · 17th March 2010, 01:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by Monaro CV8

@ Nikhil: Great Info there on WA & WB!

I've been having my own set of wobble issues with my Octavia 1.9TDi.
The vibrations can be felt on the steering wheel when the odo hits 80kmph, and wane out after 100 kmph.
The car also normally tends to steer to the left on an even road (irrespective of the speed).

The Car has got new suspensions - all 4, & left tyre rod end replaced, during the last service, around 3000km back.

Thought the wobble might be coz of the old tyres nearing their life.

Have got new Alloys + tyres 1.5 weeks back; got them twice rechecked for wheel alignment & balancing.
Still the same wobble! Even the co-driver can feel the car wobble/ vibrations in his legs resting on the car floor.

Would request your advise on this mysterious issue with my car.
Am stuck with this problem now and cant enjoy my new wheels.

Please help!!

Wobble can be due to bad balancing or worn out tyres. I cant say anything with certainty without looking at the tyres.

The car steering to the left can be due to an alignment issue or again, uneven tyre wear.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raccoon

^^^Whether the tyres look fine or pretty or grotesque, they should be rotated after 5 k km!

+1!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by jinojohnt

One malpractice I have seen while getting wheel aligned (at a prominent center in Trivandrum):-

What the mechanic is supposed to do:
1. Check alignment.
2. Unlock the alignment locks
3. Correct the wheel alignment
4. Lock the alignment locks (while the alignment is still correct)
5. Take a print out of the result.

What the mechanic actually does:
1. Check alignment.
2. Unlock the alignment locks
3. Correct the wheel alignment
4. Take a print out of the result before Locking the Alignment locks back in.
5. Lock the alignment locks (The alignment would have changed by this time, but the print out shows 'correct' alignment)

This makes the job easier and faster for the mechanic, but I feel the customer is taken for a ride.

Actually, it doesnt make the job easier for the technician. Some people do it out of ignorance. Nothing else. But yes, as you said, technically it is wrong. They should hit the PRINT button only after tightening the bolts.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raccoon

^^^Very interesting. So its possible to take a print out with this short cut method?

My alignment was done after changing the rear bearings but the wheels still feel slightly out of alignment. It was done at Millenium. Dunno if it was done this way. But they didn't give me a print out anyway, as they said the printer is currently not working. I intend to take it back to them.

When you say the wheels feel slightly out of alignment, what exactly do you mean?

Raccoon · 17th March 2010, 01:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nikhilb2008

When you say the wheels feel slightly out of alignment, what exactly do you mean?

Well, the most obvious observation that the car pulls slightly to the left when you drive with the hands off the steering.

Also, I somehow "feel" that its not done right, while driving.

The misalignment is possibly only slight... but its there!

Strange thing is I was present when the job was done. They have some kind of machine that detects the alignment optically. Possibly Infra-red. And the screen has four rectangular areas (for each wheel) which change colour from red to green when the alignment was within tolerance. The mech can see this while under the car, making it easy for him. So I did see that they were all green when he finished the job. But then why isn't the job done right? Possibly the machine has a calibration error?

Nikhilb2008 · 17th March 2010, 02:05

Well, maybe it's a slight uneven wear on the tyres?

arjunrudra · 17th March 2010, 06:30

Guys have a doubt.
I'm getting a new swift and on the same day of delivery ,I'm changing the stock tires for Michelin xm+ tires.
The profile I'm going for is the 185/70R14.
I'm going to have them on the same steel rims.

Few questions I have :

1) Since im changing the tyres and upsizing on the same day of delivery should a balancing and wheel alignment be done again ?
if so will I be charged extra for the above, or will it be included in the costs of the tires?

2) Costs : he said he will take my spanking new stock tyre for 1700 rs and the new michelin costs 3850 for my profile . so toal cost will be (3850-1700)x5= 10,750. Is this a good deal ?

3) Do the mileage tires really increase the mileage a little ? and my will overall consumption increase because of upsizing ?

4) I drive everyday on the highway . how are the grip levels and the tyre in general on the highway ?

5) what are the advantages of filling nitrogen in the tires ?
Can you please advise me on the above.

Nikhilb2008 · 17th March 2010, 10:17

Arjun,

1). Alignment is not required. Balancing is a must. He may or may not charge for that.

2). It's reasonable and fair.

3). Wont make any difference.

4). It's good.

5). Please check the nitrogen inflation thread.

Also, if you have specific tyre queries, please post it on the relevant Swift tyre thread.

Perakath · 17th March 2010, 10:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by rjalihal

Hello all,
I am not sure if this is an alignment issue but is a major concern to me. Ever since I got my Zen from service i hear a sort of 'rat-at-at-at-at-at' sound every time I make a hard right, like a U-turn for instance. This happens only when I am turning right. Left is perfect.
Thanks,
Rohan

Sounds like a problem with your left CV joint. Search the forum for threads on those. Also see here.

Monaro CV8 · 17th March 2010, 17:57

[quote=Nikhilb2008;1786461]Wobble can be due to bad balancing or worn out tyres. I cant say anything with certainty without looking at the tyres.

The car steering to the left can be due to an alignment issue or again, uneven tyre wear.

Dear Nikhil,
Like I said in my post before, I've got brand new tyres, and still the wobble..
Have balanced and aligned the wheels twice.
No effect.
Got any ideas, what should I look for under the car..?
THnx in advance.

Nikhilb2008 · 17th March 2010, 18:20

Get it checked at a different place.

Raccoon · 19th March 2010, 01:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nikhilb2008

Well, maybe it's a slight uneven wear on the tyres?

No such wear is visible to the eye, at least. Anyway, these are fairly new Yokos. Not used much since they were installed.

Guess I better take it back to get the alignment checked again. Just not finding any time for the long drive...

manumani · 26th March 2010, 10:11

I am taking delivery of my ANHC next week. I have asked the dealer to swap the current set of wheels with Michelin tyres before delivery, which he has agreed to. My question is do I need to get wheel balancing / wheel alignment done if all the 4 tyres have been replaced ?

Regards
Manumani

13th March 2010, 00:47	#46
Monaro CV8 BHPian Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Pune Posts: 567 Thanked: 517 Times View My Garage	Damn wobble! @ Nikhil: Great Info there on WA & WB! I've been having my own set of wobble issues with my Octavia 1.9TDi. The vibrations can be felt on the steering wheel when the odo hits 80kmph, and wane out after 100 kmph. The car also normally tends to steer to the left on an even road (irrespective of the speed). The Car has got new suspensions - all 4, & left tyre rod end replaced, during the last service, around 3000km back. Thought the wobble might be coz of the old tyres nearing their life. Have got new Alloys + tyres 1.5 weeks back; got them twice rechecked for wheel alignment & balancing. Still the same wobble! Even the co-driver can feel the car wobble/ vibrations in his legs resting on the car floor. Would request your advise on this mysterious issue with my car. Am stuck with this problem now and cant enjoy my new wheels. Please help!!
	() Thanks

13th March 2010, 01:26	#47
Raccoon Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Poona Posts: 1,849 Thanked: 107 Times	^^^Whether the tyres look fine or pretty or grotesque, they should be rotated after 5 k km!
	() Thanks

15th March 2010, 14:03	#49
jinojohnt Senior - BHPian Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Trivandrum Posts: 1,003 Thanked: 510 Times	Alignment blues One malpractice I have seen while getting wheel aligned (at a prominent center in Trivandrum):- What the mechanic is supposed to do: 1. Check alignment. 2. Unlock the alignment locks 3. Correct the wheel alignment 4. Lock the alignment locks (while the alignment is still correct) 5. Take a print out of the result. What the mechanic actually does: 1. Check alignment. 2. Unlock the alignment locks 3. Correct the wheel alignment 4. Take a print out of the result before Locking the Alignment locks back in. 5. Lock the alignment locks (The alignment would have changed by this time, but the print out shows 'correct' alignment) This makes the job easier and faster for the mechanic, but I feel the customer is taken for a ride.
	() Thanks

17th March 2010, 00:41	#50
Raccoon Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Poona Posts: 1,849 Thanked: 107 Times	^^^Very interesting. So its possible to take a print out with this short cut method? My alignment was done after changing the rear bearings but the wheels still feel slightly out of alignment. It was done at Millenium. Dunno if it was done this way. But they didn't give me a print out anyway, as they said the printer is currently not working. I intend to take it back to them.
	() Thanks

17th March 2010, 02:05	#53
Nikhilb2008 Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Bangalore Posts: 5,150 Thanked: 8,613 Times	Well, maybe it's a slight uneven wear on the tyres?
	() Thanks

17th March 2010, 06:30	#54
arjunrudra Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Gurgaon/Chennai Posts: 1,529 Thanked: 19 Times View My Garage	Guys have a doubt. I'm getting a new swift and on the same day of delivery ,I'm changing the stock tires for Michelin xm+ tires. The profile I'm going for is the 185/70R14. I'm going to have them on the same steel rims. Few questions I have : 1) Since im changing the tyres and upsizing on the same day of delivery should a balancing and wheel alignment be done again ? if so will I be charged extra for the above, or will it be included in the costs of the tires? 2) Costs : he said he will take my spanking new stock tyre for 1700 rs and the new michelin costs 3850 for my profile . so toal cost will be (3850-1700)x5= 10,750. Is this a good deal ? 3) Do the mileage tires really increase the mileage a little ? and my will overall consumption increase because of upsizing ? 4) I drive everyday on the highway . how are the grip levels and the tyre in general on the highway ? 5) what are the advantages of filling nitrogen in the tires ? Can you please advise me on the above. Last edited by arjunrudra : 17th March 2010 at 06:49.
	() Thanks

17th March 2010, 10:17	#55
Nikhilb2008 Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Bangalore Posts: 5,150 Thanked: 8,613 Times	Arjun, 1). Alignment is not required. Balancing is a must. He may or may not charge for that. 2). It's reasonable and fair. 3). Wont make any difference. 4). It's good. 5). Please check the nitrogen inflation thread. Also, if you have specific tyre queries, please post it on the relevant Swift tyre thread.
	() Thanks

17th March 2010, 17:57	#57
Monaro CV8 BHPian Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Pune Posts: 567 Thanked: 517 Times View My Garage	[quote=Nikhilb2008;1786461]Wobble can be due to bad balancing or worn out tyres. I cant say anything with certainty without looking at the tyres. The car steering to the left can be due to an alignment issue or again, uneven tyre wear. Dear Nikhil, Like I said in my post before, I've got brand new tyres, and still the wobble.. Have balanced and aligned the wheels twice. No effect. Got any ideas, what should I look for under the car..? THnx in advance.
	() Thanks

17th March 2010, 18:20	#58
Nikhilb2008 Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Bangalore Posts: 5,150 Thanked: 8,613 Times	Get it checked at a different place.
	() Thanks

26th March 2010, 10:11	#60
manumani BHPian Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Navi Mumbai Posts: 30 Thanked: Once	I am taking delivery of my ANHC next week. I have asked the dealer to swap the current set of wheels with Michelin tyres before delivery, which he has agreed to. My question is do I need to get wheel balancing / wheel alignment done if all the 4 tyres have been replaced ? Regards Manumani
	() Thanks

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