Originally Posted by mbowler (Post 2282995)

Car is at dealer right now so I can't look, but they've had it on the rack several times and even loosened/re-tightened front and rear suspension. I would assume that they probably would have seen this.

Originally Posted by mbowler (Post 2282917)

Interesting. So you are saying that what I thought was correct (recentering if wheel slightly turned and wheel let go) is actually wrong. Do you have any information to backup your test?

If my car doesn't continue to track right but instead straightens out, what does this mean in this case? That my toe angle is off?

Originally Posted by my2004Z (Post 2282926)

A lot of tests that people come up with are based on certain assumptions.

Originally Posted by kenchan (Post 2282889)

here's how i check my tracking...

drive to my predetermined flat road. (minimal crown of road, no strong cross winds).

1. point car to go straight say 30-35mph. ideally your steering wheel would be pointing noon, but nothing to cry about if it isnt perfectly straight.

2. turn steering wheel slightly counter clockwise, then let go. if the car continues its path towards the left this is good.

3. then, center car, do the same but this time turn slighty clockwise, then let go. the car should continue its path towards the right. this is also good.

this means your toe angles are even and pretty much straight.

Originally Posted by grant (Post 2283044)

My previous car had the wheels aligned perfectly, it tracked like an arrow. The steering wheel was about 15 degrees off clockwise though. I took it to the dealer and mentioned it, they thought I was nuts till they checked it. It was a Ford Fusion Hybrid, with only had 500 miles on it. It was my work car. After they aligned it with the steering wheel centered like it should be, all was well.

Originally Posted by KERMIT (Post 2283051)

step 1: check tires (any uneven wear?, pressures?)
step 2: check alignment
step 3: check any loose bolts/bad bushings
step 4: Power steering system/rack check

Originally Posted by kenchan (Post 2283052)

was it off by one spline? :icon17:

Originally Posted by grant (Post 2283059)

No I think they just skipped step 1 where you center the steering wheel.

Originally Posted by Cmike2780 (Post 2283031)

With a stock setup, I don't think there is a whole lot you can adjust at the rear. If it took a severe damage, something other than the swing arm might be out of spec.

Originally Posted by mbowler (Post 2282994)

Brakes, tires, etc all fine from curbing incident. I actually posted about it on the site here. No other quirks.

The wheel looked like crap and was slightly bent so I replaced it with a reman. The dealer did the balancing, etc. The swing arm was bent because they are made out of aluminum. I could have bent it with a few good whacks of the hammer.

Originally Posted by mbowler (Post 2283081)

I don't think they necessarily adjusted anything. I think they just loosed it up and re-tightened to make sure nothing got torqued out of place.

Let me ask this (of anyone).

If
1) The frame is not bent
2) The wheels show aligned (including toe, caster, camber)
3) Tires do not show wear

What is left? I can only think power steering.

Originally Posted by kenchan (Post 2283107)

you are heavy? :confused: i donno... just tossed that in there.

Originally Posted by mbowler (Post 2283114)

about 190lb.