Pulling to the left.

[blackveccyC]

Hey lads n lassies.

As the title says me car is pulling to the left quite bad. Had tie and track rods replaced a year ago then tracking done. it pulled to the left from this point on, took it back to get re-aligned they assured me it was spot on. Just kind of put up with it since. Recent mot it failed on the rear control arms. So After I replaced them I took it back to get aligned in the hope that the arms were the issue. Still same, it's getting a tad annoying now as the Missus is now insured on my car and she finds it difficult to drive with it pulling. Rear offside tyre was bald on inside same with front near side.

So my main point is I've just noticed that the spring on passenger side rear is broken, like the bottom 2nd ring if you know what I mean. Would this make it pull to one side? Or any other suggestions? Cheers folks.

[mungo1985]

Rear offside tyre was bald on inside same with front near side.

If your tyres are wearing this unevenly I would definately think alignment, have you got a second opinion from a different garage?

If your spring is broken, the fact it wasn't picked up on at the MOT suggests it has only snapped relatively (or they missed it, but I'd expect a good garage to spot a snapped spring if you can!!)

[m8internet]

Where are you going for alignment?
What type of equipment are they using?

[Critch]

Get a full geomatary check on hunter set up.

You could try checking that the number of threads showing on each track rod looks even. As it is known some lazy garages only adjust one track rod.

This can cause all sorts of problems including pulling. Asit throws out the ackermans angle

[m8internet]

Get a full geomatary check on hunter set up

Not much point doing that until the steering and suspension issues have been dealt with (rear broken spring)
Hence why I always recommend having this perfomed first
This leads me back to my original question, as this outlet should have performed this before the alignment check

A reputable outlet should quickly check all the components, before fitting the equipment

[Signum-Steve]

Not much point doing that until the steering and suspension issues have been dealt with (rear broken spring)
Hence why I always recommend having this perfomed first
This leads me back to my original question, as this outlet should have performed this before the alignment check

A reputable outlet should quickly check all the components, before fitting the equipment

Get your spring issue sorted. Then go for a full four wheel alignment Find an outlet with the Hunters alignment machine. They should check for any other problems before doing the alignment. I also would change your tyres before going for the alignment as this will be the full set up that you will be running once aligned. You don't want to be driving for 100s of miles on your new rubber before you go for the alignment though. just give enough time for your suspension to settle after the new tyres have been fitted.
I have just had mine done recently. its well worth the price.
Take a look: http://www.vectra-c.com/forum/showthread.php?t=162040

[blackveccyC]

Thanks for the info lads, looks like I'll be getting the full alignment then didn't know there was much difference. To answer question, yes they are a reputable company. Very big and busy company. Now that I think Bout it I rang 2 of the biggest in my town (dumfries). Ats euro master was £80 I kind of gulped at that, then I rang Denton tyres they do it it for £20 I suppose in hindsight you get exactly what you pay for. I done a quick search for hunter alignment it came up with alignmycar.co.uk but none showed up on map. So went to the ats website though it seems expensive this will find the problem for sure by the sounds of it and the pics you showed I think it's a hunter setup. Free test so could get that done first fix the spring and anything else that shows up then take back for them to sort. Here's the website.

http://www.atseuromaster.co.uk/retai...-alignment.htm

[m8internet]

Yes, I noted the same issue when searching Dumfries & Galloway and the Borders

I can confirm that ATS have Hunters equipment and £80 is about the going rate
However, and it's a BIG however
They have a reputation for charging for EACH adjustment
So if they adjust the toe and camber, that's £160
This is CLEARLY incorrect
So verify this BEFORE they start the work

For £160 you could travel all the way up to Glasgow and use the outlet I use!

[blackveccyC]

Yes when I searched for ats hunter etc, came with a good few stories of this double charging. Seems extortionate to say the least. I'll ask the question before I book it in. There would bound to be a few down Carlisle way which is only half hour from me. Can any members confirm this?

On another note is it best to go for used gm springs or cheaper new options on eBay? As I'm on a tight budget enough as it is with this tracking price lol. Thanks, graham.

[m8internet]

Seems extortionate to say the least

It's not what you sit and watch what they do

A normal alignment (front wheels) takes about 15 to 20 minutes
The full alignment can take about an hour