I replaced:
- driver side control arm.
- I have four brand new tires.
- I have two new front KYB struts and mounts (not the springs, they are factory)
- 2 new MOOG stablizer links aka sway bars
I have been to two shops now both who couldn't align the vehicle after working on it for hours. I give up.
Its pulling to the right like crazy and the steering wheel is off center to the left.
This is also likely due to having a flat on the front right passenger side tire to which I drove on at slow speeds before I noticed. The wheel came right off the rim. That rim was put as the spare and I used the spare rim that was good in its place when I put the new tires on that same day.
Suggestions? I've spent $2300 this week. I'm losing my f*** mind.
2005 SE
Alignment Issues - Help!
Re: Alignment Issues - Help!
Who has tried to align your wheels?
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416BRAND
- Posts: 23
- Joined: Tue Oct 20, 2015 8:43 am
- Car: 2017 ALTIMA 2.5 SR
RIP • 05 Maxima SE
RIP • 97 Maxima SE
RIP • 95 Maxima GLE
Re: Alignment Issues - Help!
A local shop and also Canadian Tire (who I hate. but tried anyways) who are a big shop
Re: Alignment Issues - Help!
Did you buy the new tires and get an alignment at CT? I've been burned by some small shops that don't have the right settings for some cars. The alignment machines aren't properly calibrated and they sometimes use the wrong settings. I can get an alignment at my local Nissan dealer for about $125. I'm not crazy about them but I can say the alignment will be right when they finish the job.
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416BRAND
- Posts: 23
- Joined: Tue Oct 20, 2015 8:43 am
- Car: 2017 ALTIMA 2.5 SR
RIP • 05 Maxima SE
RIP • 97 Maxima SE
RIP • 95 Maxima GLE
Re: Alignment Issues - Help!
The tires I got installed somewhere else for $500 less lol. But the alignment was off even with my old tires so I'm pretty sure its not defective tires.
I made an appointment with one of the stealerships if anything they should know more than others and I'm going to tell them to seriously figure this out. Will post updates.
I made an appointment with one of the stealerships if anything they should know more than others and I'm going to tell them to seriously figure this out. Will post updates.
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NutriaforBreakfast
- Posts: 1316
- Joined: Wed Sep 26, 2007 1:41 pm
- Car: Nissan Maxima 1995 VQDE engine
Re: Alignment Issues - Help!
Ask some hard questions
In the FSM and Chiltons it lists the degrees of caster and camber the alignment should have
Take some time and read these
They should have provided this reading to you from the machine
You have had a substantial front end "job" and i think they should have changed out the other control arm too for what they charged (yikes )
Have they tried camber bolts-they are very cheap and go on close to the struts ?
In the FSM and Chiltons it lists the degrees of caster and camber the alignment should have
Take some time and read these
They should have provided this reading to you from the machine
You have had a substantial front end "job" and i think they should have changed out the other control arm too for what they charged (yikes )
Have they tried camber bolts-they are very cheap and go on close to the struts ?
Re: Alignment Issues - Help!
Have you resolved your alignment/handling issue?
I have always aligned toe in with string very accurate and as you note most shops do terrible alignment, Old School since race days but it works, I do it on all my cars, tires run true and wear well.
Have you checked your car for equal ride height L to R ?
Was the alignment done with tires at equal inflation L to R ?
Are the rims true with no lateral runout, can't get reliable toe in if not true?
Have the front ball joints been checked for excess play?
What are the present alignment numbers, caster, camber and toe in?
Some cars need a camber kit as they age they sag and that greatly affects alignment especially if camber way different on each side.
Recently put tires on the 98 I30 with 150k and set toe in with the string, car also has a front camber adjustment kit because 30k ago the camber was ot of spec each side each side and not camber not OEM adjustable. Kit easy to install and adjust if you know front end geometry basics.
If a DIY'er PM me and provide an Email address and I will detail the align process I do, very simple and will also give basic ways to check front end.
$2300 wow !
I have always aligned toe in with string very accurate and as you note most shops do terrible alignment, Old School since race days but it works, I do it on all my cars, tires run true and wear well.
Have you checked your car for equal ride height L to R ?
Was the alignment done with tires at equal inflation L to R ?
Are the rims true with no lateral runout, can't get reliable toe in if not true?
Have the front ball joints been checked for excess play?
What are the present alignment numbers, caster, camber and toe in?
Some cars need a camber kit as they age they sag and that greatly affects alignment especially if camber way different on each side.
Recently put tires on the 98 I30 with 150k and set toe in with the string, car also has a front camber adjustment kit because 30k ago the camber was ot of spec each side each side and not camber not OEM adjustable. Kit easy to install and adjust if you know front end geometry basics.
If a DIY'er PM me and provide an Email address and I will detail the align process I do, very simple and will also give basic ways to check front end.
$2300 wow !