Jump to content

Did I need this alignment?


jwblue
 Share

Recommended Posts

This is concerning a 2012 Kia Soul. I am posting here because I trust posters here more than at the Kia forums.


I had been having all the maintenance on my vehicle done at a dealership.


I decided to go to another shop that had a $159 special for lifetime alignments.


I received a printout of my vehicles alignment. The printout had three numbers for each setting. I assume two of the numbers were a recommended setting and the third was the actual reading. Everything was within the recommended range except the following:



Right Front Toe: -.25° > Recommended range (.10 to -.10)


Front Total Toe: -.23° > Recommend range (-.20 to .20)


Front Steer Ahead: > .13° - Recommended range (-.05 to .05)


Did I need an alignment? The service person said I did but I am not sure..


After the alignment was done, the steering wheel seemed tight. Is this normal?


Link to comment
Share on other sites

I believe you are reading this correct, but can you post a picture of the actual spec sheet to be certain? Was it Firestone you went to?

 

What I see from that is your right toe was way out of spec, almost as much as the entire allowable range (-.15* out, .2* range) and your left toe was almost perfectly centered within the range (+.02 with the same +/- range of the right, hence the +/-.01* VS +/-.02*). Toe, means in, so negative should mean the right tire was pointing out slightly. Did it drift or pull to the right?

Steer ahead I assume means Castor? With excessive castor, the steering should feel twitchy possibly over reacting a little, with proper castor it should feel more stable and controlable.

Yes, you had 2 specs that were out, so an alignment was appropriate. I don't know/think it was critical, but it was reasonable.

 

The part that is missing is what the were measurements after adjustment.

I am not an alignment specialist so if I got anything backwards, please correct me...

 

B

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I believe you are reading this correct, but can you post a picture of the actual spec sheet to be certain? Was it Firestone you went to?

 

 

 

I will do that.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Actually excessive caster is what keeps the vehicle stable and planted at higher speed. Not enough caster will result in twitchy steering and the steering will not return to center. Or in proper terms more "positive caster" will increase steering wheel return and stability at speeds at the expense of increased steering effort and with no effect on tire wear. Too little positive caster will cause the symptoms you described. Just thought I would clear that one up :)

 

I run 8.5 degrees of caster in my 240sx for high speed stability and a quick wheel return when tossing the corners :)

 

And about the original post B is spot on about the toe assessment. Your front right wheel was heavily out of spec. An alignment was recommended with good reason. Will help save your tires and your fuel!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 1 year later...

God I love this forum.....I'll be headed out to make some tie-rods adjustments tomorrow morning if it decides to stop raining! Settle the truck back down after a dual tie-rod assembly install with upper ball joints on the side.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
 Share

×
×
  • Create New...