Wheel Alignment - Kwik Fit

[Damer]

I noticed over the weekend quite noticable tyre wear on the outer edges of the front drivers side. The other 3 look fine.

I spoke to my dealer and while they would look at it it wouldn't be covered by the manufactures warranty.

While it is my car it is maintained through work by Godfrey davis, spoken to them and they have said to just take it to Kwik Fit to get it checked out.

Has anyone else had such a problems? If so what is your experience of Kwik Fit? I'd much rather it went to by dealer but as I am not paying for it I have to take it to Kwik Fit.

Thanks.

[MacRS200]

If it is one side only it is unlikely to be tracking IMHO as any toe in would even out with the opposite wheel. Probably a waste of time getting the alignment done.

[Tony-Bones]

Various methods are described to encourage you to resolve tyre wear or handling issues, read carefully and stay ahead of 'alignment the big con'

Tracking/Alignment

Is linear, this measurement shows no concern for any other angle. This form of measurement is the most common in the World and the most damaging.

Angles measured 1

Four wheel Alignment

Uses the rear wheels as a scale to centre the steering rack.... then the front toe..... this is better but is assuming the rear is centred.

Angles measured 2

Four wheel Laser Alignment

Same as above.... be wise!

Geometry/Primary

Will image the exact rear centre line to permit a centred steering wheel.. additionally the front and rear camber positions will be measured. This is the most common form of Geometry and i consider this as 'basic'

Angles measured 8

Full Geometry/primary and Secondary

Is absolute but harder to understand. Few places even with the equipment measure the Secondary angles, these include...

Castor

KPI/SJI/SAI

Scrub radius

included angle

TOOT/Ackerman

Delta curve

and so on.......

As a final test for the centre of your choice ask them what they will be Aligning the wheels to?

[mr frosty]

As a final test for the centre of your choice ask them what they will be Aligning the wheels to?

Tony, what is the correct answer to this final question?

[Tony-Bones]

As a final test for the centre of your choice ask them what they will be Aligning the wheels to?

Tony, what is the correct answer to this final question?

I will pm you since the competition does not deserve a free ride..... let them learn the answer that way all customers would get a better job.

If anyone else wants to know then please pm me.

[Damer]

As a final test for the centre of your choice ask them what they will be Aligning the wheels to?

Tony, what is the correct answer to this final question?

I will pm you since the competition does not deserve a free ride..... let them learn the answer that way all customers would get a better job.

If anyone else wants to know then please pm me.

So you kind of answered my question, is a regular Kwik Fit going to know/have the right kit to make any difference?

[Tony-Bones]

As a final test for the centre of your choice ask them what they will be Aligning the wheels to?

Tony, what is the correct answer to this final question?

I will pm you since the competition does not deserve a free ride..... let them learn the answer that way all customers would get a better job.

If anyone else wants to know then please pm me.

So you kind of answered my question, is a regular Kwik Fit going to know/have the right kit to make any difference?

I would say no!.... Basic alignment yes but the problem you have is not alignment? Let me explain tracking/alignment (same thing different terminology) is a shared angle. If hypothetically you hit the nsf wheel and displace the tow by 10mm, as soon as you move on the front wheels will adopt a position of least resistance because they are linked via the steering rack.... In summery if once in motion the front toe position is now 5mm each side then the pattern of wear would by symmetrical in damage.

[MacRS200]

So you kind of answered my question, is a regular Kwik Fit going to know/have the right kit to make any difference?

I would say no!.... Basic alignment yes but the problem you have is not alignment? Let me explain tracking/alignment (same thing different terminology) is a shared angle. If hypothetically you hit the nsf wheel and displace the tow by 10mm, as soon as you move on the front wheels will adopt a position of least resistance because they are linked via the steering rack.... In summery if once in motion the front toe position is now 5mm each side then the pattern of wear would by symmetrical in damage.

If it is one side only it is unlikely to be tracking IMHO as any toe in would even out with the opposite wheel. Probably a waste of time getting the alignment done.

I kind of said that :D

[Ian-Leeds]

I had tyre issues with my 300.

Lexus checked the tracking and said it was fine - but the wear continued.

I have in-laws who have a small independent garage. I took the car to them.

My wife's cousin told me that a good mechanic can feel the wear - he ran his hands over the tyres.

He then put the tracking 'thingy' on and measured it. The setting was within the tolerance in his book. However because he had felt the tyres and seen the problem he was able to guestiamate what the setting should be.

He reset - and I had no more problems.

If you ive in West Yorkshire I can direct you there!!!!!