Can you guys tell me if your Z does this?

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.

Originally Posted by my2004Z

A lot of tests that people come up with are based on certain assumptions. Things like consistent tread depth on all tires, same brake pad thicknesses, rims/tires balanced, good alignment etc. You might want to share anything that is quirky or inconsistent with your Z due to the curbing incident.

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.

Originally Posted by JohnsZ

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!

Originally Posted by mbowler

I think I'm going to look around for a new place. I just wanted to maintain the relationship. I agree, it's clearly related to the incident and I've told them I want it done right, not fast or cheap. They have test driven it. I even asked if someone could take it home with them.

Originally Posted by my2004Z

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

Originally Posted by kenchan

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

Originally Posted by my2004Z

I find that people tend to leave out critical details when troubleshooting. It's just like going to the doctor. Tell them everything that is going on so that they can track down the problem. It is not a case of stupidity but rather forgetfulness.

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?