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Question about 'Tracking'

Posted: Mon Oct 26, 2009 1:31 pm
by BruceT
I got new tyres on the front 6 days ago and had the tracking done.

They advised me it was 'out' and would I like them to correct it?

I said yes.

Now, the day after driving to work I noticed to go in a straight line I had to turn the wheel a little bit to the left (I think lol - doesnt matter which way)

I thought maybe the road surface so ignored it.

Now 6 days have passed and I can confirm the sterring wheel centre position does not = vehicle goes in straight line.

Now, I assume this is because the garage have done the tracking 'wrong' ?

Before I go back and mention it (Was advised to come back in 3 weeks for a free check) the car drove fine before this with the steering wheel straight the car went straight.

If the tracking is 'wrong' will the steering wheel be off centre to make the car go straight?

Re: Question about 'Tracking'

Posted: Mon Oct 26, 2009 2:57 pm
by mjb
Sounds like they set the tracking with the steering wheel off-centre. I make a big point about making sure it's perfectly straight when I get mine done...

Re: Question about 'Tracking'

Posted: Mon Oct 26, 2009 3:20 pm
by jasper5
My mot garage do tracking for my customers, they use a clamp that fastens to the steering wheel and down to the brake pedal, they lock this in place before adjusting the tracking.

Re: Question about 'Tracking'

Posted: Mon Oct 26, 2009 3:21 pm
by BruceT
I thought this to, but wanted someone to confirm the steering can be affected by this.

Can't I sit in the car while they adjust it? lol

Re: Question about 'Tracking'

Posted: Mon Oct 26, 2009 3:45 pm
by steve_earwig
I think ideally there should be some weight in the car. Get them to sort it out and never go back there again.

Re: Question about 'Tracking'

Posted: Mon Oct 26, 2009 4:45 pm
by Captain Jack
It could be uneven tyre wear. When you let go of the steering wheel, does the car veer to one side and does the steering wheel look straight?

I noticed on my mum's car that when I let go of the steering wheel, the car does not veer anywhere but the steering wheel itself is turned to the right.

Re: Question about 'Tracking'

Posted: Mon Oct 26, 2009 10:34 pm
by BruceT
Captain Jack wrote:It could be uneven tyre wear. When you let go of the steering wheel, does the car veer to one side and does the steering wheel look straight?

I noticed on my mum's car that when I let go of the steering wheel, the car does not veer anywhere but the steering wheel itself is turned to the right.
No car does not veer off at all.

Ie if have the car going in a straight line (Wheel slightly to the left) and let go it continues its path.

Its basically the steering wheel is off centre for going straight