Steering alignment issue?

[Wils]

Hi,
I've just replaced both front wishbones (54 plate fortwo), drop links & ball joints as I had an advisory that bushes on the one of the wishbones were dodgey. Now after doing this my steering seems off in that when travelling straight ahead the steering wheel is not straight, It sits slightly to the right of centre. It's not off much but it is noticeable. Any idea's ? :newbie:

[StripeyNick]

Re: Steering alignment issue?

I'm having the same problem but not getting much luck with an answer. Have you had your tracking readjusted?

[phingoc]

Re: Steering alignment issue?

go to a any car garage with wheels aligment tools.. propably, you just need to adjust toe settings..

[Wils]

Re: Steering alignment issue?

Will be headed to the garage on Monday to get the alignment, toe in etc checked & hopefully adjustment is what's needed. I assume this was caused by the fitting of the new parts as there was nothing wrong with it before? all I did was replace the wishbones, bottom ball joint & drop links.
I'll post with the results (if any!) I'll take the settings off of the Evilution site with me and see what they say.

[Evilution]

Re: Steering alignment issue?

go to a any car garage with wheels aligment tools.. propably, you just need to adjust toe settings..

Yep, that will be it. Gotta have my 451 sorted since I lowered it.
It's a simple adjustment on the steering arms, the rears are non adjustable.

[Wils]

Re: Steering alignment issue?

Problem sorted, trip to my local tyre place, 20 minutes later, adjustments following measurement with their laser alignment set up, and I'm now :drive2: in a straight line with the steering wheel in the right place.
Told me to go back in a couple of weeks and they'll re-check it (foc)

[MrPoo]

Re: Steering alignment issue?

It's worth noting (for anyone else stumbling across this thread) that not all garages have narrow enough ramps to do a wheel alignment on a smart. I've had 2 separate occasions where they couldn't do the alignment as the fortwo was too small :redface:

[heinkeljb]

Re: Steering alignment issue?

What's wrong with the floor?

Any self respecting garage that professes to do wheel alignment should be able to deal with a SMART. Even those places which use laser /computer aided systems ought to have old school kit hanging around they could use.

It's easier on a ramp I know, but can be done on the floor quite easily....

John

[Smartie81]

Re: Steering alignment issue?

Gunson-s-Trakrite always gets good reviews, you can get them for £50... so can pay for its self fast.

Most people always say its spot on.

Thanks..

[Wils]

Re: Steering alignment issue?

Mr Poo's quite right, something that they were aware of at the garage I went to and to be on the safe side 2 of the guys saw the car on to the ramp as it was close but did fit. They did mention that they'd could do the alignment on the ground if the ramp was a no go.

[MrPoo]

Re: Steering alignment issue?

What's wrong with the floor?

Any self respecting garage that professes to do wheel alignment should be able to deal with a SMART. Even those places which use laser /computer aided systems ought to have old school kit hanging around they could use.

It's easier on a ramp I know, but can be done on the floor quite easily....

John

Ah, I assumed it had to be on the ramp for it to work (I've not actually see in being done myself) I guess they were just being lazy!

[A18 BAU]

Re: Steering alignment issue?

Having the same problem at the moment, just had the front wishbones replaced but the garage can't track it, so took it to a different garage and they can't do it, then another said they can and then within 5 mins they cant.
Wanted it done before going to S2 BBQ on Sunday but looks like it will have to be next week.

[heinkeljb]

Re: Steering alignment issue?

A18 BAU - sent you a PM. My local garage can do the tracking on your car as he does mine.
John

[A18 BAU]

Re: Steering alignment issue?

Thanks John will try and call in the morning.