Front end alignment guru's
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 2,413
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From: Forest Hill Md
Front end alignment guru's
OK, it all began when the car was pulling to the right a bit more than I cared for it to. I took it to a friends shop for an alignment. He had to do some shim work and this thing drives straight as an arrow now, BUT it also seems a bit squirrelly. I feel like it won't take much to send it out of control in either direction, kinda like it's balancing to go straight but push it off it's axis and watch out! I also noticed that since the job whenever I make right hand turn, regardless of speed, the left front tire squeals. At first I was on a rather long curved exit ramp so I thought geez I'd better slow down but I was only going 30 :crazy: Then I went to a big empty parking lot to try it. Turning left... no sound at all but turn to the right and squeal city.
What could be causing this, I took it back and they said everything is set within specs but they are going to go over it again next week. Is there something I can tell them to check, is the job the same for our vettes as it is for other cars :crazy:
Sorry I'm sure I should know this but with three kids I'm losing a little more of my mind everyday :D
[Modified by n8370c, 5:06 PM 6/21/2002]
What could be causing this, I took it back and they said everything is set within specs but they are going to go over it again next week. Is there something I can tell them to check, is the job the same for our vettes as it is for other cars :crazy:
Sorry I'm sure I should know this but with three kids I'm losing a little more of my mind everyday :D
[Modified by n8370c, 5:06 PM 6/21/2002]
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2000
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From: Orlando Floriduh
Re: Front end alignment guru's (n8370c)
That sounds like "toe out". Both front wheels are pointed out slightly. Also check castor angle. Newer cars have no provisions for setting castor so the mech doing the job may not even know to check that. I watched them do a corvette at midas and all the checked was the "toe"
Team Owner
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Re: Front end alignment guru's (silvervetteman)
That sounds like "toe out". Both front wheels are pointed out slightly. Also check castor angle. Newer cars have no provisions for setting castor so the mech doing the job may not even know to check that. I watched them do a corvette at midas and all the checked was the "toe"
And either one in extreme will cause tire wear and poor performance as you push tires that are sideways.
If you had to shoot for anything, go for a very slight toe in if you want good drivability. Very slight. The alignment specs should be easy to find if your friend has the right books.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 1999
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From: Palatine IL
Re: Front end alignment guru's (n8370c)
You might need more castor. Also, if you have wider than stock tires the stock alignment specs may cause this condition. I had to take my Vette to a shop who knew how to align Vettes that have larger than stock tires. The specs in the Vette Brakes and Products catalogue are good.
