Alignment problem?

[EzyBrzy]

I was driving home from work last night and mid way through my commute I start hearing a squeal. The sound was on and off mostly on. Sounded like it was coming from the rear and maybe the tires were rubbing.

The car also wanted to pull to the side really hard randomly. Pulled over to check but didn't see anything out of the normal. Decided to stay off the freeway and take the LONG way home trying to keep it under 40.

Had the alignment done maybe a month ago. Can an alignment just go bad randomly like that or is it a bigger problem?

[jasonojordan]

Alignments "going bad" as you called it is generally caused by hitting large potholes or other objects to jar the car hard enough to change the alignment. Provided you have not hit anything no your alignment should not change once its set unless you do something to change it.

[Tcoat]

Could have a caliper sticking.

[guybo]

Did you check your lug nuts? Make sure they are tight

[EzyBrzy]

Lug nuts are not loose. Co worker riding with me also said it might be the brakes.

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by EzyBrzy

Lug nuts are not loose. Co worker riding with me also said it might be the brakes.

Could be as easy as changing the pads or a clean and lube of the caliper slides.

[bcj]

Had a loud squeel pulling out of my driveway, so promptly pulled back into the garage and jacked it up.
Turns out there was a rock chip stuck inside the caliper body.
Pulled off the caliper and picked the rock out, then re-installed.

Pushed my time line for the day back about half an hour,
but my gosh - sounded like the world was coming to an end.

No permanent damage.

[Clipdat]

Are you on aftermarket wheels/tires or stock?

[EzyBrzy]

Originally Posted by Clipdat

Are you on aftermarket wheels/tires or stock?

On stockers.

Will pull apart the brakes this weekend when I have time. Well maybe just change them anyways if I'm going through the trouble.

[EzyBrzy]

Took the day off work since it was going to be slow anyways.

Checked all the brakes and replaced the pads. Rotors were fine.

Still have the problem. Squeaking seem to have disappeared but didn't test drive for too long.

Going to have the alignment checked today. My commute is 50 miles to SF one way and the roads/ramps/speed bumps aren't that great so hopefully it'll fix the problem.

[Clipdat]

Depending on where you are located, AutoRnD in Fremont may be able to sort out your alignment for you.

Originally Posted by EzyBrzy

Took the day off work since it was going to be slow anyways.

Checked all the brakes and replaced the pads. Rotors were fine.

Still have the problem. Squeaking seem to have disappeared but didn't test drive for too long.

Going to have the alignment checked today. My commute is 50 miles to SF one way and the roads/ramps/speed bumps aren't that great so hopefully it'll fix the problem.

[EzyBrzy]

Went back to the same alignment shop since I had warranty and the guy kept insisting I had something done or installed to the car for the alignment to be that far off the original alignment.

He ended up doing it, but it kind of left a sour taste in my mouth he was accusing me of something I didn't do.

So I guess an alignment can go bad.

[finch1750]

Originally Posted by EzyBrzy

Went back to the same alignment shop since I had warranty and the guy kept insisting I had something done or installed to the car for the alignment to be that far off the original alignment.

He ended up doing it, but it kind of left a sour taste in my mouth he was accusing me of something I didn't do.

So I guess an alignment can go bad.

This is why I have lifetime alignments at Firestone. Keeps it in check for daily then when I go to the track I get a proper one done. But if I hit a bad bump it starts to pull or the wheel gets off cencenter no worries getting it fixed

[FirstWinter]

Originally Posted by EzyBrzy

Went back to the same alignment shop since I had warranty and the guy kept insisting I had something done or installed to the car for the alignment to be that far off the original alignment.

He ended up doing it, but it kind of left a sour taste in my mouth he was accusing me of something I didn't do.

So I guess an alignment can go bad.

I can see the tech's perspective especially after working you get a bit jaded when people try to take advantage of things. But alignments can and do go out of spec from potholes, bumps, etc or techs not torquing down things properly. Shit happens. Either way it's a bit unprofessional to accuse a customer of something especially without evidence. Even if the customer was at fault I find it better to smile and still perform the work. It'll most likely result in a happy and returning customer. Profit in the long run.