I’m looking for technical help or recommendations on: Tracking, wheel alignment
Just had 4 x Kumho Ecsta PS71 tyres fitted at local ATS euromaster, with wheel alignment, the 4 tyres replaced were ancient and knackered and different brands front to rear, steering was spot on, but road noise was really bad.
Now the steering is way off, with it dead straight the car veers off to the right, especially noticeable the faster it goes. Tyre pressures are even, the garage have said they checked all of the relevant suspension components and none of them have any play. They even displayed the camber and toe angles on a screen in the reception before I left for the third time after trying to get them to sort it. Each time they’ve tried it’s improved marginally, but it’s still not acceptable, and i’m tired of taking it to them.
Anyone else had this problem? Is it as simple as taking it to another tyre specialist?
Wasn’t given it unfortunately. From memory after alignment the Toe was 0.5 both sides, camber was roughly in the middle, caster was checked and apparently was fine, didn’t show the result on screen though. I’ll ask them to email me the alignment sheet.
Update: correction made I got caster and camber mixed up. They can’t email me the alignment sheet.
Did they only adjust the front?
If so, the rear may now be causing the car to veer right, as the previous settings on the front were masking it.
Get a proper 4 wheel alignment done
Why cant they provide a copy of the settings, your job will be saved on the alignment machine?
I can access all my previous alignments and reprint, email or even just take a pic of the screen and WhatsApp it.
Do you know what ststem they use?
Check tyre pressures yourself with a proper mechanical gauge. I feel difference in my car if tyre pressures are off - just changed tyres on Monday and tyre pressures were different even if i told the bloke to set them at 28 psi
Quick update I took it to Kwik fit who have the hunter wheel alignment system, they did the alignment but made no difference, then they’ve tried to reset the steering angle sensor via the ODB port and align again but they’ve not been able to reset it for some reason, after a quick google apparently the manual explains a ‘manual’ method of how to do it, but I can’t find anything relevant. What a pain in the **** just to get a level steering wheel.
Sadly, ATS and Kwik Fit are essentially tyre sellers and not wheel alignment specialists that your pride and joy deserves and warrants. Ask for a refund on the alignment and seek out a sports car outfit near you who can oblige correctly. Google/Facebook are your friends…
I had this problem, but not to the same extent as you. Turned out that from my perspective, the steering wheel wasn’t straight when the alignment was done. I took the car back and had the alignment re-done with the steering wheel straight.
The steering angle sensor won’t help, that just tells the control unit the angle of the steering (sensor) and has no control over it. It’s reset automatically when the battery is connected by turning the steering lock to lock so the control unit can see the limits. I’d do as has been suggested and find a garage who know a bit about wheel alignment. An alignment machine is only as good as it’s operator, no matter what brand it is.
Have you tried Michael Cleverley of Stradbroke (IP21 5JL, 01379 384046) which may not be too far away from you. He does specialise in MX-5’s and has a 4-wheel alignment system at his workshop.
call in and see Paul RODDISON he’ll sort it 