Tire alignment and Traction Stability Control
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 116
Likes: 0
From: Gainesville Florida
Tire alignment and Traction Stability Control
I just changed over to a set of Michelin A/S ZP's on my "07 Vert. The tire shop, which is very reputable and a long time trusted vendor, informed me that in order to align the car correctly, the Traction Stability Control will need to be reset/reprogrammed for the new settings. If not, the alignment will not "hold" and can result in increased tire wear and damage. This takes a very expensive equipment set up for the shop, and he did not have the unit yet - and declined to do my alignment. He also indicated that 2010 cars onward, that this feature and reprogramming will be a part of all alignment services. I have not seen anything about this and nothing is in manual - anyone else aware of this? I will check with the dealer but wondered if this was common knowledge?? 
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 5,328
Likes: 405
I just changed over to a set of Michelin A/S ZP's on my "07 Vert. The tire shop, which is very reputable and a long time trusted vendor, informed me that in order to align the car correctly, the Traction Stability Control will need to be reset/reprogrammed for the new settings. If not, the alignment will not "hold" and can result in increased tire wear and damage. This takes a very expensive equipment set up for the shop, and he did not have the unit yet - and declined to do my alignment. He also indicated that 2010 cars onward, that this feature and reprogramming will be a part of all alignment services. I have not seen anything about this and nothing is in manual - anyone else aware of this? I will check with the dealer but wondered if this was common knowledge??
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 10,399
Likes: 25
From: Austin Texas
Traction Stability Control?? No such animal on a C6. You have Traction control and Active Handling. Alignment has nothing to do with Traction Control or Active Handling. Sounds like the guy is confused about T/C, A/H and the new tire pressure moniters.
If you changed tire sizes then you can cause T/C and/or A/H problems that might be adustable with a Tech 2 or other tuning programs but changing tire sizes won't cause your alignment to move.
If you changed tire sizes then you can cause T/C and/or A/H problems that might be adustable with a Tech 2 or other tuning programs but changing tire sizes won't cause your alignment to move.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 25,001
Likes: 2,702
From: Far NW 'burbs of Chicago
St. Jude Donor '13
If you are staying with the stock tire sizes, this makes no sense to me.
I remember GM once said that they calibrate the TC & AH for the tires that will be used on the production cars, but any differences will be minor. And far beyond the ability of any normal shop to mess with.
I remember GM once said that they calibrate the TC & AH for the tires that will be used on the production cars, but any differences will be minor. And far beyond the ability of any normal shop to mess with.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 486
Likes: 0
From: Bethlehem PA
The traction and AH systems limit how much power and apply brakes to control each wheel, in order to keep the car in control. They don't mess with your alignment in any way. Your car isn't even moving when it's aligned; these systems are only active when your car is moving. Makes no sense to me.
Your tires should be road force balanced when mounted on the wheels, then the car goes up on the rack for alignment when the wheels and tires are on, and all of that stuff (camber, caster, and toe) is done manually via adjustment nuts/bolts. Some places use newer laser mounted hardware to perform the alignment, but that's got absolutely nothing to do with what safety systems are in the car.
Any time I get an alignment in a performance car, I also ask the shop if I can sit in it for ballast. This helps you get the specs you want with your weight in it. I've never had the shop refuse; they're real good about it.
Your tires should be road force balanced when mounted on the wheels, then the car goes up on the rack for alignment when the wheels and tires are on, and all of that stuff (camber, caster, and toe) is done manually via adjustment nuts/bolts. Some places use newer laser mounted hardware to perform the alignment, but that's got absolutely nothing to do with what safety systems are in the car.
Any time I get an alignment in a performance car, I also ask the shop if I can sit in it for ballast. This helps you get the specs you want with your weight in it. I've never had the shop refuse; they're real good about it.
