2008 Alignment Issues
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 77
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From: Irvine CA
2008 Alignment Issues
My 2008 coupe had a pull going down the road. I took it to the dealer who did an alignment. I asked for the alignment sheet when I picked up my car.
I noticed the sheet said 2005-2007 Corvette. Since mine is a 2008 I asked the question... the service advisor said it was the same. However, my steering is now very numb on center.
Since the 2008 has the revised steering system, the steering geometry is probably different and should have different alignment specs... at least I would think so.
Any help anyone can give would be most appreciated.
Thank you.
I noticed the sheet said 2005-2007 Corvette. Since mine is a 2008 I asked the question... the service advisor said it was the same. However, my steering is now very numb on center.
Since the 2008 has the revised steering system, the steering geometry is probably different and should have different alignment specs... at least I would think so.
Any help anyone can give would be most appreciated.
Thank you.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,837
Likes: 4
I belive that only the rack is different; that doesn't affect the geometry or alignment.
I'm not sure I understand "numb on center" - it really shouldn't be providing much feedback if you're just rolling down the road in a straight line. But if you mean doesn't turn in as quickly or offer much response for small turns, that's another matter - probably due to excessive toe-in or too much caster.
But the whole notion of aligning the car to one set of specs is a little odd, in my book. You really need to take the driver and his/her expectations into account - one size doesn't fit all. Talk to the alignment people (or if they won't talk, find one that'll work with you) about what you want. Or do it yourself.
I'm not sure I understand "numb on center" - it really shouldn't be providing much feedback if you're just rolling down the road in a straight line. But if you mean doesn't turn in as quickly or offer much response for small turns, that's another matter - probably due to excessive toe-in or too much caster.
But the whole notion of aligning the car to one set of specs is a little odd, in my book. You really need to take the driver and his/her expectations into account - one size doesn't fit all. Talk to the alignment people (or if they won't talk, find one that'll work with you) about what you want. Or do it yourself.
Pro
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 534
Likes: 0
From: Ann Arbor MI
From what I've read, the steering geometry is not different, just the internals in the steering gear and some stiffer mounts and bushings. This wouldn't automatically require a change to alignment settings, but it also doesn't guarantee they are the same.
What does your sheet say? It should have before and after measurements.
What does your sheet say? It should have before and after measurements.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 6,566
Likes: 2
From: Goleta CA
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
Yes, the geometry and specs are the same. Perhaps you now have zero toe, when before you had some? When the car pulls to one side, it's usually due to mis-matched caster. Maybe you just got used to the extra force required to keep the car straight? Lighter steering is one and the same as numbness, since a lack of effort means lack of feedback.
Moderator
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 40,905
Likes: 4,354
From: Lakewood Ranch, FL
I belive that only the rack is different; that doesn't affect the geometry or alignment.
I'm not sure I understand "numb on center" - it really shouldn't be providing much feedback if you're just rolling down the road in a straight line. But if you mean doesn't turn in as quickly or offer much response for small turns, that's another matter - probably due to excessive toe-in or too much caster.
But the whole notion of aligning the car to one set of specs is a little odd, in my book. You really need to take the driver and his/her expectations into account - one size doesn't fit all. Talk to the alignment people (or if they won't talk, find one that'll work with you) about what you want. Or do it yourself.
I'm not sure I understand "numb on center" - it really shouldn't be providing much feedback if you're just rolling down the road in a straight line. But if you mean doesn't turn in as quickly or offer much response for small turns, that's another matter - probably due to excessive toe-in or too much caster.
But the whole notion of aligning the car to one set of specs is a little odd, in my book. You really need to take the driver and his/her expectations into account - one size doesn't fit all. Talk to the alignment people (or if they won't talk, find one that'll work with you) about what you want. Or do it yourself.
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 4,939
Likes: 448
From: CHOCOWINITY NC
Unfortunately, the broad range of the OEM specs make a difference between things working well or not. Figure the factory has 3 minutes to do a 10 variable alignment of the car on the assembly line, the chance of it being even close to spot on is slim. A broad spec range covers their tails. That said, i paid to have mine aligned by an independent knowing the dealer wouldn't go out of his way to centering the specifications. I've been happy with the results.
Top chart is the before (with the red being items out of even the broad spec range). Bottom chart is after..
Top chart is the before (with the red being items out of even the broad spec range). Bottom chart is after..
