dynamo

I have a 2000 4Runner LTD. I recently purchased a set of new tires, and got an alignment immediately after. The place I got it aligned at gave me a printout that said that all of the wheels are in stock spec.

The problem is that I still have to drive with the steering wheel turned about 5-10 degrees to the left in order to keep the car driving straight. If I set the wheel to dead center, the car starts pulling to the right (not terribly, but it does).

Does this mean I am getting a bad alignment? Please help - I have to take the car on a long trip this weekend and want to make sure I don't screw up the brand new tires.

TIA

kmchby76

I would definately take it back to the place that did your alignment.

dynamo

That's kind of the problem - I already have, and they *supposedly* put it on the rack and did everything over. The steering wheel was off less when I picked it up, but the 5 degree offset is still there.

surf4runner

i would too.
the steering wheel not centered should not be the reason for it pulling. in your case it might.

i have had alignments done where the wheel isnt centered and it gets me but it drove straight.

my 02 had a balljoint recall and the stealer did the alignment. 2 mos later i notice uneven wear on the front tires. take it back, the stealer rotated and re-aligned.
good? not even close. now it pulls to the left. back in "oh its way off, we'll fix it" realigned and now it pulls to the right, WTF! back again...5 hours later its almost as good as when i took it in for the ball joint recall.
i got a print out of the specs everytime and showed it to them. every time it was out of spec. i will take it back until I am satisfied.
at least all this only cost me time.

kmchby76

I'd keep taking it back until you're satisfied. If they refuse to fix the problem, you can always cal the BBB and file a complaint. that usually changes their minds about fixing things.

dynamo

Thanks for the responses, I am taking it back in tomorrow and will update once I get it back.

04 Rocko Taco

yeah be sure to let us know.

eric-the-red

That's not really a 'bad alignment', your wheels are actually aligned correctly and the tires will be OK. It's just a sloppy lazy job because the tech didn't want to take the time to centre the steering wheel afterwards. That should be part of the job but alot of places don't do it.

boogyman

i agree with eric. just take off the collar on the steering rag joint and align it so it's straight. only takes about 15 - 20 min.

Tanto

And when you're done, make sure the stop nut on the steering arms are locked down tight. I was watching a guy do the alignment on my truck and I saw him spin the nut tight with his HAND. Needlesstosay, I politely asked him to put a wrench on that and he did.

I have yet to find a good alignment shop. 1st place I took it too did a good alignment but stripped a bolt in my LCA.