Alignments - Is this asking too much?

Mossyoakglock · March 25, 2014

So two weeks ago I went to get my alignment done. Get back in the truck and noticed that the steering wheel is off to the right (truck pulls to the left when steering wheel is straight). Couldn't take it back right away so I took it back the next weekend to the same place and tell them the steering wheel is off and if they can correct it. An hour later I get back in the truck and driving down the road notice that the steering wheel is still off in the same direction. I was fed up and didn't want to turn around and go back to them. I had to run errands and down the road there was another Firestone so I decided to stop in. Told them what was going on and they said "Sure, we can get you fixed". 30 minutes later with them, get back in the truck and notice that the steering wheel is now off to the left. What in the world? Are these techs cross-eyed or something? I even asked if I could show the tech where I wanted the steering wheel positioned because I had tried to get it straightened twice already. She just said "They will get it straight when they get it up on the rack" but apparently not.

Can you not tell that the steering wheel isn't straight? Am I asking too much from an alignment job for my steering wheel to be straight? Isn't that part of having an alignment done? If it was off by just a hair it wouldn't bother me but it's off by a couple of degrees. It's so bad that while driving down the interstate I can put the steering wheel dead straight and it makes the curves.

There is another Firestone down the road from my house (I have 3 within 5-8 miles) that I might try this weekend. Hopefully they will let me show them how I would like it. If I had a dealer closer I would probably have them do it but I bought the Lifetime alignment because it made more sense.

Rant over.

fondupot · March 25, 2014

I've had bad experiences with alignment shops too. If you don't explicitly tell the tech to align the wheels AND the steering wheel. they don't do it. I don't understand why straitening the wheel is not mandatory when adjusting the wheel alignment. drives me up a tree.

Mossyoakglock · March 25, 2014

Same here. I'm OCD when it comes to stuff like that.

What bugs me is that I've taken it back twice specifically for the steering wheel and they still can't get it right.

Duelin · March 25, 2014

I think everyone knows about my rants that I have posted about alignments. And a few have disagreed with me. But I would never go to a dealer or a tire store for an alignment. Check around and find the best frontend shop with the best reputation you can find.

If the steering wheel is off center they don't know how to do an alignment. And I am sure they didn't take it for a test drive afterwards to see how it handled or felt going down the road. I think I better stop there.

8.1HD/ALLISON · March 25, 2014

I worked at a gm dealer, I did alignments, and no its not too much to ask. You should not have to tell tech to get wheel straight. Vehicles should always be test drove. I would test drive before aligning if someone said they had a pull so i could verify and correct issue. Cant bash dealers and tire shops, there are half assed techs anywhere you go.

Sent from my LGL86C using Tapatalk

kstruckcountry · March 25, 2014

It's not too much to ask. My mechanic got mine perfect and it's not like they're an alignment only front end shop, they do everything.

Mossyoakglock · March 25, 2014

Agreed, 8.1.

I've been to pretty much every alignment shop in my area over the past few years. You are always going to have lazy techs, etc anywhere you go whether that's the dealer, Firestone, Goodyear, etc.

I just called the closest GM dealer and they charge $49 for an alignment and said that their alignment guys has been doing them for quite a few years.

I'm going to try the 3rd Firestone that is near me and explain what is going on and see if they can do it. If not I'll go to that dealer one Saturday morning.

chupe442 · March 25, 2014

The only bad alignments or service I have received have been two times with two separate Firestones locally as well. I have come to the conclusion that if the guy that changes the oil is the same guy that does the alignment, you may be in for some fun...

Mossyoakglock · March 25, 2014

The only bad alignments or service I have received have been two times with two separate Firestones locally as well. I have come to the conclusion that if the guy that changes the oil is the same guy that does the alignment, you may be in for some fun...

My last two alignments have been at Firestone and they were both spot on. It's just this last time it has been a challenge.

chupe442 · March 25, 2014

^{I hope it works out for you. The alignment is not rocket surgery but sometimes you have to sit back and laugh when the simple things are overlooked repeatedly... My issues were more of the service and attitude received when I was there.... I am sure it is not a Firestone problem and more of an independent issue..}

KMGZ400 · March 25, 2014

I have never had a good experience at any chain tires stores such as Firestone, just tires, etc. I would try and find a family owned alignment shop that only does alignments

mike94silverado · March 25, 2014

Same here... my dealer did it, and I was being"fussy" by wanting my wheel straight

gmtech4 · March 27, 2014

there is this thing called a steering wheel strap that locks it in the straight position ,,,,,,my god

SarahsGMC · March 28, 2014

Never had that problem but I'd definitely stop going to firestone.

sent from my truck in a field

Jaxle67 · April 1, 2014

Not to much to ask at all. When i was younger i started working in a big truck alignment shop that did everything from the smallest of cars to the biggest trucks we could fit in the building. Setting the steering wheel was always part of it. I'm not saying your truck is not out of alignment cause it could be perfect to the specs regardless of where the wheel points but it is easily remedied and any front end guy that cares any about his work will test drive a vehicle to make sure that it drives straight and steering wheel is straight. I know a lot of times nowadays that when the machine trefoils them it s aligned then that's it no test drive no nothing move on to the next. I would have certainly taken it back to correct or ask for a refund because they did not do a complete job. If they had to do a toe end adjustment on your vehicle then they set the toe and adjust as necessary to straighten the wheel at the same time.