Can you guys tell me if your Z does this?

Cmike2780 · 04-24-2013, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mbowler

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.

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.

kenchan · 04-24-2013, 02:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mbowler

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?

yah, an old alignment tech of mine taught me this long time ago...and my data and actual experience has shown this trick is consistent.

i didnt read your entire post cause it was so frikken long, but if your turn your steering clockwise let go, and car goes left, you need an alignment.

kenchan · 04-24-2013, 02:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by my2004Z

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

like people aren't too stupid hopefully....(?)

grant · 04-24-2013, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenchan

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.

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.

KERMIT · 04-24-2013, 02:53 PM

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

kenchan · 04-24-2013, 02:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grant

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.

was it off by one spline?

kenchan · 04-24-2013, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KERMIT

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

step 5: check malnutrition

grant · 04-24-2013, 02:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenchan

was it off by one spline?

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

kenchan · 04-24-2013, 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grant

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

sounds like a ford?

mbowler · 04-24-2013, 03:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cmike2780

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.

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.

JohnsZ · 04-24-2013, 03:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mbowler

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.

The fact that the you said the car was fine before the curbing incident tells me that there's something that has been overlooked after the repair was made to the swing arm and new wheel/tire installed. Sorry if I'm repeating what was already said/asked but did they take it for a test drive? If you're still not satisfied with the work being done at your Z dealership, I would take it to another. Lord knows I have taken mine to more than one!
IMHO... something's being missed!

kenchan · 04-24-2013, 03:21 PM

i remember back in the G35C/350Z days some bushing was causing the car to pull to one side.

ive not heard about it on our cars though..

kenchan · 04-24-2013, 03:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mbowler

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.

you are heavy?

i donno... just tossed that in there.

mbowler · 04-24-2013, 03:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenchan

you are heavy?

i donno... just tossed that in there.

about 190lb.

kenchan · 04-24-2013, 03:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mbowler

about 190lb.

naw you're fine.

04-24-2013, 02:53 PM	#20 (permalink)
KERMIT Enthusiast Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Republic of Wadiya Posts: 301 Drives: Ms. Daisy Rep Power: 13	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 __________________ Steering wheel with Z emblem, keyless entry, 3.7L with dual overhead cams, am/fm radio, ABS brakes, windshield, air in tires

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04-24-2013, 03:21 PM	#27 (permalink)
kenchan A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: N/A Posts: 76,801 Drives: N/A Rep Power: 141520	i remember back in the G35C/350Z days some bushing was causing the car to pull to one side. ive not heard about it on our cars though..