Wheel Alignment Myths

Wheel alignment is an often mis-understood topic. Much of the mis-understanding comes from mis-information that floods advertisement. A few of the myths concerning wheel alignment are:



Myth: Wheel alignment is maintenance, it needs to be done every year.



Truth: Wheel alignment is a repair, it only needs to be done when there is a problem. A proper wheel alignment can last many years and sometimes the life of the vehicle. One major indication of a possible alignment problem is tire wear.



Myth: A pot hole knocked the alignment out.



Truth: In order to change the alignment on most vehicles, something would have to bend or be damaged. A normal pothole will not knock the alignment out if it was properly performed. This is why AGCO can give a one-year/12,000 mile warranty. If tire wear or pulling is a repeated problem, more likely there is another problem, not being diagnosed.



Myth: If the steering wheel shakes the alignment is out.

Truth: Shake or shimmy in the steering is a problem, just not an alignment problem. More likely it is related to worn parts, a bent wheel, an out of round/balance tire or something else that rotates when the vehicle is driven.



Myth: A new alignment machine will give an accurate alignment.



Truth: Some of the earliest wheel alignment equipment made will give excellent results, in the hands of a skilled technician. Just as an expensive new stove will not make an unskilled person a chef, an alignment machine will not create a good alignment.



Myth: All cars are supposed to pull to the right.



Truth: Most roads are sloped slightly towards the drainage. This is normally on the right side, but not always. Weight will cause the vehicle to roll down the slope. For this reason, a slight offset in the caster is allowed for. This allows a skilled technician to deliver a vehicle that drives straight on the majority of roads.



Myth: Some vehicles cannot be aligned or brought into specifications.



Truth: Vehicles are built within specifications, and will remain so unless something changes. The problem may not be an adjustment, but it can be diagnosed and corrected by a professional.



Myth: All vehicles need a four-wheel alignment.



Truth: All four wheels should be checked for alignment, but many vehicles will not require an adjustment in the rear. In this case the front is merely referenced to the rear, providing the same benefit at a lower cost.



Myth: A vehicle that pulls one way or the other when driving needs an alignment.



Truth: Many things can and do cause a pull, other than alignment. Low air pressure in a tire, a bad tire, mis-matched tread patterns or wear and many other things. Temporarily crossing front tires from right to left is a good diagnostic procedure. If the vehicle pulls in the opposite direction after moving the tires, the tire problem needs to be addressed before alignment is attempted.



Source www.agcoauto.com

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