Alignment issues and tire questions

[bds0688 10+ year member]

I had my tie rods and front shocks replaced. Afterward got an alignment.

Put new tires on, and the alignment has slowly gotten worse. I'm not talking about a slight list, it feels like I can't really let go of the wheel safely at highway speeds.

Would the tires affect the alignment? I was under the impression it wouldn't, but I could very well be wrong.

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[azimuth 5,000+ posts]

I had my tie rods and front shocks replaced. Afterward got an alignment.
Put new tires on, and the alignment has slowly gotten worse. I'm not talking about a slight list, it feels like I can't really let go of the wheel safely at highway speeds.

Would the tires affect the alignment? I was under the impression it wouldn't, but I could very well be wrong.

does it pull to one side?

 

[bds0688 10+ year member]

Yea. It pulled to the right before I had the alignment done. After the tie rods and shocks. Then got the alignment. Put tires on. It was a little off, but nothing major. Now it pulls to the right. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/confused.gif.e820e0216602db4765798ac39d28caa9.gif

 

[azimuth 5,000+ posts]

Yea. It pulled to the right before I had the alignment done. After the tie rods and shocks. Then got the alignment. Put tires on. It was a little off, but nothing major. Now it pulls to the right. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/confused.gif.e820e0216602db4765798ac39d28caa9.gif

everything runs quiet? no squeaking? maybe the tire shop did something to screw it up.

 

[bds0688 10+ year member]

No vibrations. Still turns lock to lock. I've been eyeing the tires to see uneven wear. Nothing yet. The shop I did the alignment at does it with the tires on. But even then, the alignment is based on the hub's position..right?

I just don't want to put much more money in this car, but I don't want to chew up newish tires either.

 

[1980supreme 10+ year member]

After all the work was done, did it pull right away or has it progressively gotten worse?

 

[Fusion_FREAK 10+ year member]

Did you change tire/wheel size?

 

[Loud3 5,000+ posts]

Here's the big money question... Did they balance? I know you said 'did the tires', but some shops wont balance unless asked.

 

[azbass 5,000+ posts]

x2 balance, also did they align with the wheels and tires being on the car..

 

[Loud3 5,000+ posts]

considering that I am on ****ing wagon wheels, I don't go near a tire shop without 'balance/align' as the first things out of my mouth, or very shortly after 'Yes, it's on adjustable coilovers...'

 

[bds0688 10+ year member]

Here's the big money question... Did they balance? I know you said 'did the tires', but some shops wont balance unless asked.

No to balance. But I assumed balance would cause vibrations and such, not pulling. Again, suspension is an animal I am very unfamiliar with.

After all the work was done, did it pull right away or has it progressively gotten worse?

Progressively.

Did you change tire/wheel size?

Nope, just put same size tires as before.

x2 balance, also did they align with the wheels and tires being on the car..

They aligned with the old tires and wheels on, after I had gotten the suspension work done. After that, I had new tires put on.

 

[Loud3 5,000+ posts]

Have your setup balanced. Thank us later.

Also, on a sidenote. EVERYTHING effects alignment, even tires. Something as little as a loose lugnut can.

 

[Denhsturrr 10+ year member]

they should fix it for free if they did something wrong

 

[bds0688 10+ year member]

they should fix it for free if they did something wrong

I don't think the shop did anything. I had tires already on wheels, that were fine before. But as someone mentioned, anything can affect it. My lugs are more progressively worn, I haven't had a balance in awhile. Hell, the one wheel is from a Mercury...something, the escort's cousin. The alloy wheels, not steelies with hubs.

I'm gonna pick up some new lugs, and find a shop to do some balancing and alignment. Hell, maybe the pressure is off by a bit, but I checked that.

I understand electronics and engines all day. The suspension, obviously an extremely important part of the car, still leaves me confused at times.

 

[audioatg 10+ year member]

So they did the alignment with the old tires on lol. Thats an issue right there. No to the balance uggg??? And yes Tires effect the alignment thats why I we at shops set tire pressure make sure the new tires are on the front. Are you even sure they did the alignment.