Wheel Alignment Question

Phoenix Scanner · 03-29-2007

So I just put on my new wheels / tires and I have a question about alignment. I went from stock 17's to 255/45/18's, and other than the tire noise I get from the cheap sumitomo tires, the car tracks straight and grips well.

The car has 23k on it and does not pull or do anything strange, but I would like opinions on whether or not I should go ahead and get a four wheel alignment just to be safe, or should I just leave well enough alone if it tracks straight, and the previous tires showed even wear?
23k miles seems a bit soon to need an alignment, but we are talking about a $700 set of tires here, so I am not sure what to do. If I get it done, is this something that needs to be done at a Dealership to make sure it is done right, or should any competent tire shop be able to get it right? Are there special tricks to doing the alignment on these cars that can be missed by someone not familiar with them?

**stlwagon** · 03-29-2007

With new tires I'd spend the money and get an alignment. Keep in mind that if you need any camber adjustment, you may have to purchase camber bolts since there is little or no camber adjustment from the factory.

stangcrosser · 03-29-2007

There is nothing tricky about doing the alignment on the S197. You don't need to take it to the dealer. Any competent alignment shop should be able to do it.

sonny1213 · 03-29-2007

Really … an alignment just for new tires? Is this beacuse of the bigger size of wheel and tire?

Phoenix Scanner · 03-29-2007

Ok, kinda what I figured. $50 alignment is cheap insurance for protecting the tire investment. I hadn't thought about the fact that there might need to be camber adjustment. Interesting.

I just didn't really want to have them force those prongs in between the tire and chrome rims if I didn't have to have that happen. The tires come out a bit to protect the rim from curb damage, there is a lip that is designed in for this purpose, and I am picturing them having fun getting the prongs in behind the edge of the rim without damaging something. I am probably just worrying too much, but if you have followed my story at all this car has been an adventure so far, with the first shop that had it doing harm and all. I am a little gunshy. Even the people who redid the gear job (properly - quiet now), managed to get a scratch (buffable) on my hood. Black paint is a nightmare, let me tell you that! A fly could land on it and make a scratch that would show in bright sunlight! Of course nothing looks nicer at night than a shiny black car with chrome rims (IMHO).

It will go in tomorrow morning.

Mark25 · 03-30-2007

MIke, personally I would let it go...it is very possible in 23K miles that you may be out of alignment (very slightly)...however, unless you really notice anything (e.g. your previous tires are wearing improperly), I would not get the alignment and simply be sure to check your tire wear every 2-3K miles...if you notice something on the tires (or she begins to pull right or left, etc., then get the alignment.

Sometimes just taking her in for an alignment can lead to other things (runing your rims, alignment not right, etc.)...I try to avoid that as much as possible. Your call.

Oh, and one more thing...it seems that 99% of the time the tech can never really align your steering wheel (i.e. have it straight up and down when you're driving straight down the road...a real peeve of mine).

travelers · 03-30-2007

A really good shop that has up to date equipment will have the soft tabs that will protect the rims. Check around but don't rule out the dealer. Make sure your there when they do it and if you don't like what you see stop them.
But yes it is a good idea to have the alignment checked.

Phoenix Scanner · 03-30-2007

Well, I mades sure they had soft tabs and did it, and am glad I did. There was a slight toe-out condition. My rims were left un-scratched, and the steering wheel is straight Wheewww! Now it is time to just enjoy my ride, finally. I'll post some pics on my profile soon, things turned out nice.

Thanks to everyone for all of your time helping me out. I hope I can help others out in the future based on what I have learned.

**stlwagon** · 03-30-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phoenix Scanner

Well, I mades sure they had soft tabs and did it, and am glad I did. There was a slight toe-out condition. My rims were left un-scratched, and the steering wheel is straight Wheewww! Now it is time to just enjoy my ride, finally. I'll post some pics on my profile soon, things turned out nice.

Thanks to everyone for all of your time helping me out. I hope I can help others out in the future based on what I have learned.

Glad it worked out and everything was scratch-free!

ishldbwrkng · 03-30-2007

glad it worked out for you -- I just realized that the dealer that did my alignment set up the puter for a 05-06 ford GT (not quite the same as a mustang) now almost 9k miles later I have a perfectly useless pair of 255 pzero neros - Time to go back and try to get a new set, wish me luck! luckily I requested and saved a printout of the report.

travelers · 03-30-2007

++1 on the alin. What you don't know can affect you.

Phoenix Scanner · 03-31-2007

Ok put up a few pics on the profile. I think the 18's look fine after all was said and done. With the wider width, the ride quality is about the same as the stock 17's. I chose the five spokes because I wanted chrome, but didn't want too much "bling" if you know what I mean. I will say the sumi's grip well, and are very affordable, but they growl on the road a bit. For me, it is a non issue because I roll with the shaker on quite a bit and MAC exhaust is pretty darn loud. But if you roll quietly, don't choose these tires. Thanks again for the advice along my journey.

Phoenix Scanner · 04-12-2007

Well, I had to do a warranty repair on the steering rack (squeaky noise), and this meant the dealership had to do another alignment. After my last alignment the car drove fine, but the steering wheel was tilted about 1 degree to the left. I know this sounds minor, but it really bugged me. After the dealer did their alignment, the wheel is now dead straight, and that makes me feel better for some odd reason.

Anyway, I am going to suggest spending the extra bucks and having a dealer do your alignment, if you are considering one. It would be worth another $40 to have my steering wheel absolutely straight, as opposed to slightly off. But maybe I am just an overly picky person about things like that.