Just put on a new set of Bridgestone RE760 Sports today and so far, I think that I am going to really like them. Smooth ride, quiet, hook up very nicely, etc.

Now for my quandry..............yes, I know.....the conventional wisdom says.....new tires......fresh alignment.

Now, let me say why I am questioning this. My last '99, years ago had the original Goodyear run craps on it but they wore very evenly and the car tracked very well. I put new Michelin Pilot Sport AS/ZP's on it as I drive mine year 'round. Had it aligned right away and as soon as you let go of the wheel, it would immediately start drifting right. Not hard, but at least medium. Took it back to the shop and they re-checked the settings.......no difference. I was never able to get it back to that wonderfully neutral feel that I was used to with the car.

Now, present-day. I bought my present '99 last May and it had Nitto 555's on it and they were about half worn. The first thing I did in inspecting it was to check the front tires for any cupping or adverse wear.........nothing, they were perfect!!!! This car has had that same neutral feel for over 10,000 miles now. Let go of the wheel and it just goes straight down the road. Doesn't drift, doesn't dart or wander around.

I tried the same test on the car with the new tires today and there is no difference. It still tracks wonderfully neutral, does not drift or try to go anywhere but straight down the road. Now the Nittos were half worn when I got the car and I still got over 10,000 additional miles out of them without them being overly near the wear bars. The reason I decided to replace them is that they were old enough to have lots of really tiny weather checking cracks in the sidewalls and tread grooves. Therefore, it was time for new rubber, no question!!!

My question is......do I take a chance again with the alignment before seeing signs in tire wear that tell me an alignment is needed??

On the previous car, several shops were not able to make any difference. They all said that the specs were right on target and that it was right. I'm sorry, but I drive my car and I know when things have appreciably changed from what I was used to.

I don't want to invite another disaster, so I am looking for opinions. Yes, I know that at some point suspension wear, tire wear, or some other factor will demand that an alignment is needed.

I was a practicing mechanic for a number of years, so I know the theory and standard procedures. Sometimes though, they just don't pan out and once you change something, you may never get it back just like it was.

What do you guys say??

DSTURBD

 

If you are happy with it, leave it. No reason to fix something that isn't broken. Keep a close eye on the tires and take it in if you start to see uneven wear. If not, enjoy the extra $100 in your pocket.

 

Thanks for the quick reply!!! And yes, I definitely think I agree with your assessment!

DSTURBD

 

I would leave it!

Really the best time to get an alignment is when you do any work or changes to the suspension (shocks, lowering, bushings, sway bars, new springs etc.)

Personally I would leave it - however, I have always had good success when I have had mine aligned, some do and some don't!

Thanks,matt

 

If it tracks straight and you are happy with the handling, my suggestion would be to leave it alone.

 

I wouldn't worry about the allignment if she is running straight, I think the most important thing would be a high speed balance!! Can make a day and night difference in handling!!

 

get the lifetime alignment at firestone, you can have your car aligned for free whenever you feel like it

if you're keeping the car for awhile it's very much worth it. it's something like 180 for as long as you own the car

pays for itself after two alignments

just make sure you bring in the specs you want to use and walk the tech through what you want done

 

Yea, ive aligned two sets of tires ago. But i have even wear and it goes straight.
I'm letting it be

 

If all is good leave it alone.
Enjoy your new tires!

 

Got to agree with everyone here - if the car is handling well now, don't mess with it.

 

Wow!! Thanks everybody so very much for all of the replies!!!!

I guess I'm not nuts........well maybe.

I'll be leaving it alone for now then and will keep an eye on things.

Thanks again,
DSTURBD

 

Yup you're doing the right thing by leaving it be. Piece of mind is huge and you're happy with the way it is tracking so it's a no brainer.

 

I just put a set of Nitto 555's on my '97, it tracks straight as an arrow.

I see no need to do an alignment at this point.

 

I didn't get an alignment when I changed tires and have not regretted it after 17,000 miles. Our tires are wearing just fine.

 

If you didn't have any issues before I see no reason why you would need an alignment with new tires.
I been running the RE760 for over 2 years now and I really like them, Priced right and still look new.
Mr.Bill

 

If the old tire wore even and the new tire feel neutral, then I would leave it alone. I would watch them pretty close though.

 

Wow! didn't see those answers coming. Thought I'd be the black sheep. Leave it