Help: Alignment issue.

[Atouchofgrass]

So my buddy towed my truck home two weeks ago, i guess the way it was strapped down, messed with the alignment? The drivers side is mint, but then go over to the passenger side and the tire sits closer to the front lip, only reason i know this is because i noticed more rubbing than i have ever heard, and went to take a look and my front lip was cracked I looked at the tie rod and it looks to be straight, but that doesn't mean anything. Has anyone had this issue, i was going to install some tie rod sleeves since i need them anyways, and then have it aligned, but i just want this situation resolved. Any ideas?

 

[bradyn]

When i did ball joints i replaced my passenger side a arm, and then had it alighned within a few miles it was out again they had to impact the shiii out of it for it to stay, so they can move even when tight.

 

[Atouchofgrass]

So you think my a arm may be out of spec a little? That's all i could think of being that when the truck was strapped down the suspension did obviously compress a little..

 

[bradyn]

Yes thats what mine did, you said that the tire was leaning in? If it was leaning in then yes it would be your control arms because that is how you adjust for caster and camber.

 

[Atouchofgrass]

Well its not leaning in, the tire just sits closer to the front lip, like if you were looking at the wheel from the side it is more to the right and would have to move left to center itself out...

 

[jlawles2]

Have you checked the front hubs? If they are bad enough, I can imagine that the tire would lean in or out at the top.

 

[Atouchofgrass]

Hubs are good, for now... Only thing i can think of is when it was strapped down, that it knocked the caster outta whack.?

 

[Chevy1925]

ok, this is confusing. is it toed in or out that we are talking about? caster has no affect on the tire leaning in or out. what lip are you talking about? i need more detail here lol.

 

[Atouchofgrass]

Haha, sorry. So if you're looking at the side of the passenger wheel. You can see that the wheel actually sits more to the right (closer to the front bumper lower valance). It is not centered anymore as it should be.

 

[mckey73]

You mighta damaged the tie rod end, just unbolt it and unscrew it from the tie rod. Make sure you count how many revolutions it takes to come off of the tie rod. It's really hard to tell if tie rods are bent a little, and harder to tell if you damaged the rod end. After you remove it take it to the parts store and compare it to a new one.

Jay

 

[Chevy1925]

so something like this (this is a top view like your looking from a satillite above the truck)

 

[Atouchofgrass]

Yeah that's how the wheel sits but whats weird is that the wheel sits straight, its like it just moved forward.

 

[mckey73]

Prolly need a new tie rod and end, get some sleeves while you're at it. At the very least remove the tie rod and end to see if they are okay. When the rod bends it pulls the tire closer to the front end and your upper and lower ball joints can compensate a little bit. If it's visibly bent then you are beyond the travel of the upper and lower ball joints. Have you held something straight up against your tie rod?

 

[Atouchofgrass]

The good thing is i have sleeves that i was going to put on tomorrow. So if need be i can run to the local supplier and grab a set of tie rod ends. Im gonna look more into it today, but wouldn't the steering be pretty sh!tty?

 

[mckey73]

If the rod is slightly bent it will be really hard to tell by driving it. Make sure you pull the tie rod itself and roll it on something flat, like a pool cue. I think both rod ends from my local GM stealer are $150 which ain't bad.

 

[Chevy1925]

Yeah that's how the wheel sits but whats weird is that the wheel sits straight, its like it just moved forward.

can you take a pic of what your talking about cause this jsut isnt making any sense. i wouldnt go throwing parts at it jsut yet. your descriptions are very

 

[adrenaholc1]

ok, this is confusing. is it toed in or out that we are talking about? caster has no affect on the tire leaning in or out. what lip are you talking about? i need more detail here lol.

I'm sure you know this. But to clarify caster does affect camber when turning :thumb:

 

[RENODMAX]

can you take a pic of what your talking about cause this jsut isnt making any sense. i wouldnt go throwing parts at it jsut yet. your descriptions are very

The whole wheel has moved in a linear fashion toward the front bumper. Not camber caster or toe issue. Sounds like he damaged the a arms.

 

[adrenaholc1]

Did you have the straps hooked to the control arms? I can see how it might have tweaked the alignment if things weren't tight from previous alignment job. A good alignment shop will check over everything for wear check for bent frame for free and let you replace or fix damaged parts then bring truck back to align.

 

[Dragonsfireloki]

I think i am having the same problem, but my truck was just aligned not even two weeks ago. It will be good to hear what he finds out.