Any Thoughts On Pot Holes Effex On Camber?

kamaki · September 2, 2003

-A few days ago I noticed that when the steering wheel is on 0 degrees position, the (front)wheels were very slightly off to the right.

Took the car to LEXUS and they said that looking at the wear on the front tires-plenty of it on the inside part- the camber had changed possibly due to large pot hole or speed bump. They suggested to change the tires,drive around a couple of days and then take the car for alignment to a specialist shop (they don't do it). Is it right or they will come up with something new after the alignment?

-They also suggested the 'Continental sport contact 2' tires were the best.

(might the fact that they stock them be relevant?!?) <_<

Any thoughts on the above...

Leexus · September 3, 2003

-A few days ago I noticed that when the steering wheel is on 0 degrees position, the (front)wheels were very slightly off to the right.
Took the car to LEXUS and they said that looking at the wear on the front tires-plenty of it on the inside part- the camber had changed possibly due to large pot hole or speed bump.

Same problem here...will take the car to the dealer to fix it. Won't change my tires though....waiting till wintertime

kamaki · September 3, 2003

Noted however don't think I can wait that long. The tires are so worn on the inside that on the edge the grooves have almost disappeared. Rear tires are sort of ok(normal wear)-can wait till winter for those. Anyway will order tomo a set. Hopefully the steering misalignment will only be due to camber change/tire wear and not due something else (will know next week)

Mr Wolf · September 6, 2003

Are both Wheels to the right when the steering wheel is at 0 Deg? If so, and they are by the same amout is not likely that it has been caused by a bump. Also if they were it would probably not cause uneven wear. You would just steer to the left to compensate. Your steering column would need adjusting. It really sounds like your wheel geometry is out (tracking). This can and does occur with a bump. But its more likely hitting a kerb than a speed bump would cause this.

Anyway, Take it to ATS euromaster or similar asap. Checking/adjusting the geomerty would cost less than half as much as one new tyre. You are runing Both front ones by leaving it. It's also reducing your grip on the road. (yes even with Traction Control).

A lot of dealers no longer check geometry themselves. It's just not worth the investment in the equipment/staff/space. It works out more cost effective to use a 3rd party to do these checks. The dealers just can't compete with those tyre places you see every where...