4 Wheel Alignment Specialists

[Mason Storm]

I've recenty had new shocks fitted but now I think my car needs a 4 wheel alignment test as the steering seems a little too heavy and doesn't ride over bumps as well as it use to (I think it may be the castor angle from what I've read).

I'm thinking of going to Chiltern tyre & Exhaust Specialists as they are on the Merityre website as having a full computer 4 wheel alignment and print out.

Has anyone used them or does anyone have anyone they would recomend that's not too far from Hemel Hempstead?

Cheers

[heathstimpson]

 m http://www.mr2roc.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=15159 m
This place in Watford has come up a few times lately.

[Anonymous]

These guys are pretty good, not sure if they are that close to you, but not a million miles away.

http://www.elitedirect.com/

[Chris]

Yep that who i used.. rainham not too far from hertford i 'spose...

[Mason Storm]

Thanks Guys,

I've booked an appointment at Wheels in Motion on Saturday, I'll post how I get on (I'm hoping for a big improvement)

[roger]

I think it may be the castor angle from what I've read).

I'm fraid you can't adjust caster angle, only the camber. If that's out it assumes something else is bent/not fitting right.

Here's an extract from manual:-


3. INSPECT CAMBER, CASTER AND STEERING AXIS
INCLINATION
Camber, caster and steering axis inclination:
Camber
Right–left error
–0°47' ± 45' (–0.78° ± 0.75°)
45' (0.75°) or less
Caster
Right–left error
3°08' ± 45' (3.13° ± 0.75°)
45' (0.75°) or less
Steering axis inclination
Right–left error
14°52' ± 45' (14.87° ± 0.75°)
45' (0.75°) or less
If the caster and steering axis inclination are not within the specified
values, after the camber has been correctly adjusted, recheck
the suspension parts for damaged and/or worn out parts.

[Mason Storm]

Cheers

I'll show this to them on Saturday

[Mason Storm]

Well I got the geometry tested and all was OK, Tony the guy who did the test said that he was suspicious of the steering ball joint which was quite rusty. He said that it was causing the steering to get stiff at certain points in it's movement which kind sums up what I was experiencing at the wheel.

I have now booked in with MRT in Watford to get them to have a look and probably replace next week. The part costs £150 so they recon about 1 hours labour making in my estimation £250 plus VAT which if it solves the problem will be worth it.

[Mason Storm]

Forgot to say he only charged £35 as no adjustments were made and even offered to check it again for free after I get the sterring joint changed.

[Mason Storm]

I went to pick my 2 up from MR T today after having the steering shaft and universal joint assembly replaced. When I drove it away I noticed that when driving in a staight line the wheel was off centre by alot.

I didn't get MR T to do a 4 whell alignment as the guy that did it originally (wheels in motion) said he will re check at no cost (MR T were going to charge £190!!!).

I took the car back to MR T who said it's because they didn't do the 4 wheel alignment so it was bound to be out a bit, however I have left it with them asking them to get it closer to centre.

If it's still a bit out when I collect tomorrow will the guy that's checking the alignment on Saturday adjust the steering wheel so it's back to normal?

[Anonymous]

normally they put a clamp on the steering wheel in the straight ahead position and then adjust the steering to suit. I'm not sure how much adjustment they have to play with, but providing it's just a little out, then yes they should definately do it as part of the alignment.