Alignment question
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 19,304
Likes: 85
From: San Diego CA
I asked an alignment shop manager (here in San Diego - very well known shop) if I should wait until I bought new tires and he advised me to have the alignment done immediately after having the new tires installed.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 1,888
Likes: 230
From: Livingston County, Michigan
If you are going to get the car aligned with new tires, I would make sure that you have pics or can describe your old tires. You mention that the current tires on excessively worn on the inside. That would suggest to me that either there's too much negative camber for how the car is used or excessive toe (or a combination of both).
A good alignment tech can look at tires, look at the "before" alignment readings, and make recommendations on how the car should be set up to maximize the life of your tires.
The GM spec has a lot of latitude in what's "acceptable", so make sure that your alignment shop has all the information needed to do a good job.
A good alignment tech can look at tires, look at the "before" alignment readings, and make recommendations on how the car should be set up to maximize the life of your tires.
The GM spec has a lot of latitude in what's "acceptable", so make sure that your alignment shop has all the information needed to do a good job.
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Drifting
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 1,833
Likes: 4
From: Calgary, Alberta
If you are going to get the car aligned with new tires, I would make sure that you have pics or can describe your old tires. You mention that the current tires on excessively worn on the inside. That would suggest to me that either there's too much negative camber for how the car is used or excessive toe (or a combination of both).
A good alignment tech can look at tires, look at the "before" alignment readings, and make recommendations on how the car should be set up to maximize the life of your tires.
The GM spec has a lot of latitude in what's "acceptable", so make sure that your alignment shop has all the information needed to do a good job.
A good alignment tech can look at tires, look at the "before" alignment readings, and make recommendations on how the car should be set up to maximize the life of your tires.
The GM spec has a lot of latitude in what's "acceptable", so make sure that your alignment shop has all the information needed to do a good job.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,983
Likes: 391
From: Stoney Creek Ontario
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 182
Likes: 1
From: Burlington Ontario
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 252
Likes: 0
From: Port Orchard WA
Alignment update
Thanks for all the reply's. Getting it done prior to getting the tires was only going to be for convience. However there will be no alignment today.... After putting it on the rack my front passenger tire/wheel has play in it. They recommend I get the outer tie rod replaced prior to the alignment. I have one on order and will replace upon arrival.
THANKS AGAIN!!! R/ Al
THANKS AGAIN!!! R/ Al
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 252
Likes: 0
From: Port Orchard WA
Are all alignments the same?
My car was on a lift that was raised about 4 feet. THey then jacked the car while still on that lift to raise the wheels/tires were off the ground. They then hooked up some sort of contraption to the wheels. It appears that those were going to shoot a laser to get straightness readings. When the play in the wheel/tire was found things ended there. I'm going to do some surfing on the procedure. Thanks. R/Al
My car was on a lift that was raised about 4 feet. THey then jacked the car while still on that lift to raise the wheels/tires were off the ground. They then hooked up some sort of contraption to the wheels. It appears that those were going to shoot a laser to get straightness readings. When the play in the wheel/tire was found things ended there. I'm going to do some surfing on the procedure. Thanks. R/Al
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,993
Likes: 7
From: LaPine Oregon
Align for driving style or tire wear.........
The GM spec has a lot of latitude in what's "acceptable", so make sure that your alignment shop has all the information needed to do a good job.
Alignments are a numbers game that you can set the rules for. The alignment can be for a driving style or optimum traction set up or for a DD's best tire wear and comfort ride. As mentioned before , there is a lot of tolerance in the alignment specifications.
An experienced alignment man is also a great asset.
Alignments are a numbers game that you can set the rules for. The alignment can be for a driving style or optimum traction set up or for a DD's best tire wear and comfort ride. As mentioned before , there is a lot of tolerance in the alignment specifications.
An experienced alignment man is also a great asset.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 761
Likes: 1
From: sunnyvale ca
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 24,160
Likes: 78
You do an alignment with the assumption that the tire, as viewed front to back, is a rectangle. If in truth it's trapezoidal from an uneven wear pattern, then that can easily throw off your readings.