alignment expectation question

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Jan 19, 2011 | 08:26 PM

schan1w

Thread Starter

Driver

Joined: Apr 2006

Posts: 114

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From: NY

alignment expectation question

When my GX was new, it would go down the highway, tracking straight and stable. How after 55K miles, it pulls to the right. Got new tires, and had a alignment done at a Toyota dealer. Got everything in spec, but still pulls to the right, not much difference after the alignment. Should I expect straight tracking? Everything is suppose to be in spec now, but not sure why it's not tracking straight. Any info would be appreciated. Thanks!

Jan 20, 2011 | 10:11 AM

ca5280

10th Gear

Joined: May 2010

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Do this:

Park on a flat/level surface, measure the height to the fender on each corner, compare the R to L, you might be aligned correctly, but maybe the suspension is off.

Hope this helps.

Jan 20, 2011 | 03:40 PM

Troy L

Driver School Candidate

Joined: Apr 2009

Posts: 12

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From: Nevada

This is not to suggest that you are not dealing with a reputable service center, but I am a bit suspicious. In addition to what has already been stated as a possibility, I believe you should try one additional step. Go to a differerent alignment facility, and ask for a before and after alignment printout. It could have been that no alignment was actually done, or it was done improperly. The before/after documents give a bit more assurance of a difinitive problem, and the actual action taken to correct an out-of-alignment condition. Unless the vehicle has been involved in a relatively serious front-end crash, it should still track like new. I had a similar experience a few years ago, and later found out that the alignment equipment had been improperly calibrated. All recent alignment customers had to be called back in for adjustments, after the equipment maker made the necessary corrections. The GX is possibly the finest vehicle on the road, and, with the mileage you report, there is no justification for "pulling," if the alignment is to factory spec. Good luck...

Jan 20, 2011 | 03:53 PM

schan1w

Thread Starter

Driver

Joined: Apr 2006

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From: NY

When new, I can go 10 seconds or more on a straight segment of highway at 65mph hands off the wheel and it tracks perfectly straight in my lane. Now, I go about 4-5 seconds before I almost leave my lane and have to put my hands back on the wheel. Before the alignment, it was about 3 second. So it's slightly better, but definitely not like new.

Jan 20, 2011 | 08:12 PM

ROSCOGX470

Instructor

Joined: Nov 2009

Posts: 1,049

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From: BOSTON,MA

Quote:

Originally Posted by schan1w

Just curious, After your alignment did you need or replace your tires. If you had alignment issues you may have worn the tires in a manner that would promote drifting. Worth a quick look.

Jan 20, 2011 | 09:25 PM

schan1w

Thread Starter

Driver

Joined: Apr 2006

Posts: 114

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From: NY

Got new tires, then did the alignment.

Jan 21, 2011 | 10:04 AM

mann777

Instructor

Joined: Apr 2006

Posts: 1,213

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From: EARTH

I had the same problem after I replaced my tires, gave it back to the dealer and, Following was done.
1. First they swapped the Front tires and checked and still there was a slight pull to the right.
2, Next they increased the Front Left Camber and decreased the Right Front Camber, until the pull was completely elimanated, The truck was left for a day as they had to a series of Test drives. And here they made sure the Cross Camber was left left within 1( degree).
Maybe you can quote to the dealer to do this. Hope this helps.