Got it aligned today...WOW!

[steved]

185655 miles and its first alignment... just did balljoint and it was in for inspection anyway.



Everything was real close, but toe was out (negative) ever so slightly. I had been experiencing a "loose" feel in the wheel and a lot of wander... took a lot to keep going straight down the road. All better now... steering has a slight "heavy" feel again, no wandering, tracks straight with little input.



I kinda thought it had changed, but it never ceases to amaze me that alignment can change and not be a result of worn component. Almost like the metal stretches over time...



All this and perfectly worn tires...

 

[Crunch]

185655 miles and its first alignment... just did balljoint and it was in for inspection anyway.



Everything was real close, but toe was out (negative) ever so slightly. I had been experiencing a "loose" feel in the wheel and a lot of wander...

I still have yet to do a front end alignment on mine, but have wondered when I should get it done. I'm surprised that it hasn't needed it yet. What did it cost you, and where did you have it done?

 

[steved]

Local shop did it... they have done a bunch of work on the other cars and seem to be very detail oriented. The spec sheet shows all the measurements and they are even side-to-side, not just in range... which indicates they took the time to make them just right.

Cost me $65 for this truck... which I don't think is bad.

I never considered having it done because of several reasons... truck tracked straight (more/less - wandered yes, pulled no), tires wore evenly, and it had never had any suspension/steering work done... in other words, if it ain't broke don't fix it.

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

YUP - will undoubtedly have mine done when I get new front tires before this next Winter to replace the OEM's still on there - will likely have around 70K miles on them by then. Like yours, my steering seems OK. and tread wear is even - but periodic alignment to compensate for inevitable steering component wear over time and miles is a no-brainer!



It sure helps to have a decent shop/operator who is knowledgeable and meticulous - we only have a single source here locally, a Les Schwab dealership - they seem competent in other dealings I've had with them, so will hope for the best...

 

[EBung]

I think it is always a good idea to go hit a couple speed bumps or somthing real hard after you replace a ball joint, tie rod, track bar etc, before you get an alignment just to be sure your new components are "seated" good. Might be a joke but hey what do you have to lose?

 

[steved]

I think it is always a good idea to go hit a couple speed bumps or somthing real hard after you replace a ball joint, tie rod, track bar etc, before you get an alignment just to be sure your new components are "seated" good. Might be a joke but hey what do you have to lose?

Does a trip from PA to SC and back count... :-laf Damn those SC and NC roads are R-O-U-G-H!!