Signs of wheel alignment needed?

[Goon]

Hey Hey

Another question ! Signs/symptons of wheel alignment needed?

Thanks.

[SL/ENUT]

uneven wear on the tyres is the most visual sign for a wheel alignment.

[s0sage]

uneven wear from one side of the tread footprint to the other.

let go of the steering wheel (dont make a bloody cup of coffee either, just take your hands off the wheel a little) while driving at speed. 60kmh will do.
and see where the car goes .. if the car drifts left or right within a couple of seconds. your out. BUT if the car ever so gradually drifts LEFT .. your fine. thats just the camber of the road and your alignment is fine..

IF IN DOUBT GET ONE ANYWAY .. it will only help mate

[nizmovk]

inside or outside wear on the tyre tread is a good indication....

[craigvk]

Yes wandering over the road is a sign. Having a difficult time trying to keep it going in a straight line and having to use excess hand control on the wheel. Arms a little tired after a journey. Baldness as said previously.

It's hard to get a decent alignment job on the old commos. Without a set of adjustable strut mount tops, it's hard to get good alignment.

[308vkcalais]

Your old VC no doubt has worn out Steering & Suspension components.Unless you've dun a full front end rebuild or intend doing it in the near future I wouldn't bother trying for a wheel Alignment.The 1st thing they'll tell is your Ball Joints, Stab Links, Radius Rod Bushes & the Rack Ends in the P/S will be shagged.I'm redoing all her P/ Steering & Front end atm.I've dun lots of front ends b4.I have all the tools & it's has still cost her over $500.Triple that if you have it dun by a Mechanic I spoz.I'll take it out in trade...

[Goon]

Well doesnt sound as bad as any of these comments atm

My guess is the shiAt house roads around my area, but thanks for the info

[matty88]

Of course, do the no hands test on a clear stretch of road with no traffic!

[JD]

Well doesnt sound as bad as any of these comments atm

My guess is the shiAt house roads around my area, but thanks for the info

poorly maintained roads throw out wheel alignments pretty quick

[atrail308]

just like the streets of halletts...

[craigvk]

Goon, what are the condition of your bushings? You said you replaced a set at the rear.

I ended up virtually replacing every bush in my car except the rear upper trailing arm bushes. The rest were either totally rooted or worn out.

Two sets of bushes I would be suspect about with a car that is quite a few years old is the radius rod ones and also the front lower control arms. I replaced both.

The stabiliser bar link rod bushes wear out too and should be replaced to provide good & stable roll. They aren't overly important, but I replaced mine front and rear with Urethane bushes. There is 8 for the front and 8 for the back.

Don't avoid your bushes. If you want your car in top condition, replace them if on the way out. It will make your alignment better to get right too and your car won't be bouncing all over the road or sagging.

[Goon]

Nah bushes are all good, i just have to find a decent road atm with n traffic, it's a shame i cant drive out on the airport

[craigvk]

If your bushes are fine, that's a surprise. It's either:

Car has been well looked after and not had heavy cargo or thrashed.
Or
The bushes had been replaced in the last few years.

They won't be original bushes. If replacing them, use Urethane or Nolathane bushes.

A straight dirt road is a damn good test for alignment.

If you haven't got any of the symtoms as said above, don't worry about it!

[JD]

just like the streets of halletts...

for sure