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A certain reputable branch of a fast fit, doesn't seem to be able to adjust the tracking on my 1990 Prelude. They have had three attempts. Does anyone know for certain if accurate tracking is dependendant on having the same make and type of tyres. They are all radial but I am in the unfortunate position of having a different make of tyre on each wheel. One of the tyres is a directional one. The vehicle is in very good condition apart from the tyres which I want to change.The mechanic claims that the setting had moved when I brought the vehicle back. Also when the tracking is set, do they check castor and camber? He cannot get the steering wheel to set straight ahead when the vehicle is going straight. I took the vehicle in because of excessive wear in the o/s front inside of tyre. Perhaps I should go to the Honda dealer I know which charges reasonable rates.They have a set procedure which I'm sure the fast fits don't follow. Any knowledgeable advice welcome. Mikey
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Is the steering pulling to one side when driving? Or is it just the inside tyre wear that concerns you?
Did they check the track rod ends for wear, and also wishbone bushes. Any play in these components may affect your tracking.
I assume both tyres are same size and correct pressure.
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No Solara the steering isn't pulling to one side, it is just that the steering wheel is off centre when driving in a straight line. It is unlikely to be the track rod ends or bushes as they tend not to go on this car. But you are right, it might be worth a check. It is pointless going back to the same garage as they have had three attempts.I was initially more concerned at higher rate of wear on inside edge of o/s front tyre. Thanks for your reply. May wait to fit new tyres all round and then get the tracking checked by a specialist. Mikey.
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Mikey,
It is perfectly possible for the tracking to be within limits, but the steering wheel to be off centre. The best way to sort this is to adjust the track rods at each side of the car, keeping the toe constant.
By this, I mean if you put your steering wheel straight, both of your front wheels while be steering slightly the same way (tracking measures only any difference in steer). By adjusting their track rods so that the wheels point* straight forward, the problem will be corrected.
*(in a side to side average sense - they should still toe in or out as per specification)
This sort of thing happens if someone in the past has adjusted the tracking all from one side, rather than balancing their adjustment side to side.
number_cruncher
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Make sure the person who aligns the tracking, locks the steering wheel in the centre position, before adjusting the tracking. As said by number_cruncher tracking needs to be adjusted equally on both sides.
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The mechanic did clamp the steering wheel in place. Does the laser set up used in these garages check camber as well as castor? Castor means the amount of toe in and toe out doesn't it? I can see number_crunchers point abut the tracking being right but the steering wheel position wrong. I wouldn't like to tinker with the track rod adjustment. Thanks to you both. Mikey.
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Tracking is nothing to do with castor angle.. when you ask for tracking to be done they check out toe in/out ie distance between wheels. all being equall steering wheel should be straight. if it isnt ie tracking adjusted one side only. Will cause steering wheel to go off centre. Only way out is to get tracking adjusted by someone that knows what they are doing.
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Steve
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It may be a rear wheel alignment problem due to wear in the rear suspension components.
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