Tracking problems, advice please...

[sheepish]

To get my Vectra through its MOT I had to change the rear shock absorbers, the OSF lower control arm (excessive play in the ball joint), and both front tyres, see thread below...

http://www.vectra-c.com/forum/showth...ll-it-took-was

Anyway (before the new tyres, NT5000's, were fitted) the steering wheel was off centre and the steering was light in corners, so obviously it needed the tracking doing. Normally I'd take it to a place near where I work (35 odd miles away from where I live) for 4 wheel laser alignment, but I didn't want to risk scrubbing a tyre if was way out, so I took it to my local Motorsave for tracking... this is where the fun starts.

I sat and waited and 25 minutes later my car was ready, I drove off, steering wheel was bang on but the car wandered to the right even against the camber of the road. I took it straight back and then sat there and watched repeat the tracking, take my car out, then repeat the tracking again and take my car out again. When it returned the second time I obviously went out and asked what was going on. They said they set it correctly (I think the said zero at the rear and three at the front???) drove it and it's gone out again.

By this time I was running out of time (family bash and firework display to get to), so they tried one more time saying if it wasn't right to bring it back tomorrow. Needless to say I drove home with the steering wheel now out and still pulling to the right.

I followed the Haynes manual to the letter when replacing the shocks and control arm, and the inner tie rods and track rod ends are only six months old and there is no play at all.

Has anyone had a similar experience or have any suggestions?

[chrisvectra]

What equipment are they using fella? And are they adjusting the rear camber and toe?

[Sebastian]

Had similar problem, get proper 4 wheel laser alignment done and u will be fine

[sheepish]

What equipment are they using fella? And are they adjusting the rear camber and toe?

Well, the equipment looks like something out of the 70's, and no, they haven't touched the camber and toe. Can this cause whats happening?

[sheepish]

Had similar problem, get proper 4 wheel laser alignment done and u will be fine

I'm sure it will, I'm just in a bit of a fix...

[chrisvectra]

It needs a laser 4 wheel alignment fella as they are not touching the rears and that might it cause it to pull to one side if the back wheels are not being adjusted. And you won't scrub your tyres over that shorter distance

[stevie16v]

Look for someone with a hunter setup. It's a full geometry check that needs done. Costs a little more ( I paid £62) but its well worth the money

[sheepish]

Thanks Chris, Stevie... as long as I'm not going to ruin a tyre or two I'll take it the 35 miles tomorrow and get the laser alignment done.

[tazdog03]

if you anywhere near skipton. come to central tyres and ask for dale. Ill sort your tracking, 4 wheel alighnment for approx £30.

[stevie16v]

It would need to be a HUGE amount out to ruin tyres that quick so don't worry about it