Does this problem have to do with alignment? something else?

[rich]

Ok so here's the scoop.

a month or so ago my car was really shaky  (steering wheel and other interior parts) and the second i let off the steering wheel it immediately went to the right so i figured bad alignment...i went ahead and checked my tires and noticed my tires were wearing uneven and the RR had better tread than the LF, so i swapped them...the problem seemed to go away...it still pulled a little to the right but not immediately and a lot less shaking...so yesterday it started doing it again...havent looked at the tires yet but i know i need an alignment but should that fix it up? or is there something else i should be looking into getting fixed? basically when my hand was on the wheel tonight, my watch on my hand was shaking like crazy...i even saw my passenger seat shaking a lot...it seems to do it at lower speeds under 45 and lessens at higher speed but still does it, not as bad...when at  dead stop, the second i take off if my hand isnt on the wheel, the wheel quickly jerks to the right....

if u have any other questions to kinda try to diagnose this, ask away and ill answer the best i can

thanks

[sherker55]

well get an alignment and see if that fixes it...also, if you are rotating your tires regularly, there shouldn't be that much of a tread difference

[CrackerTeg]

Moved to appropriate forum.


As for the shaking, sounds like an alignment issue as well as a wheel balance issue. Try the alignment first like Mark said and if you already have your car up on the rack, have them check your wheel balance. Hit any potholes lately?

[timot_one]

If the alignment and rotating your tires doesn't fix it, then take a look at the axles and possibly wheel bearings.

[rich]

eek, tim, if it comes down to that...that sounds like it ain't cheap...but my hope is alignment...the road i take north to get home, is pretty shitty. i tried to stay on the outside lane b/c less potholes that have been fixed, but still bumpy..i might have to start getting off at the next exit or finding another route...that is, after i get this fixed

[rich]

oh and is it worth it to get my alignment BEFORE getting new tires? i would like to get this done but i think in about 4-5 months i'll need new tires...i just don't wanna double pay for an alignment but i would think just getting new tires, wouldnt screw up an alignment...or am i wrong?

[MyNameIsThien]

Buy the lifetime alignment through Firestone.

[neoryan7]

^ thats what i have, ive had my car aligned about 20 times in the past few years.

I was thinking axle, but have you had your ball joints checked?

[timot_one]

I have the life time alignment with Firestone also.

[CrackerTeg]

As do I. It costs double their standard alignment price but afterwards you don't pay shit. Totally worth it. I think I've had my car aligned about 6-8 times since last summer just to make sure shit's straight. Funny thing is, each time I've gone there's been slight adjustments made. You'd be surprised how easily alignments get thrown out of wack with daily driving over somewhat smooth road. I can imagine how fucked yours is if you're constantly "off roading" your car Rich on shit roads.

[rich]

i thought Firestone doesn't do lowered cars. i think maybe the ones in my area can't because it seems the only places locally that work on lowered or modified cars, are really expensive. guess i'll have to make a few calls/stops next week as my next day off is next weds....i have no clue what a balljoint is and would have no idea where/what to start checking otherwise

[sherker55]

Buy the lifetime alignment through Firestone.

+++++++++++1,000,000

this is by far the best deal for any car when it comes to regular maintenance

[CrackerTeg]

Balljoints are on your upper control arm that hook to your spindle. It's that bolt on a swivel with the castle nut at the top of the spindle. That's not the only one but it's the easiest one to see so you have an idea. As forr the lowered car thing, they don't do it because lowered cars have trouble getting on the racks. If they have wood to extend the ramps, you're good. If not, show up with your own.

[MTsixspeed]

...i went ahead and checked my tires and noticed my tires were wearing uneven and the RR had better tread than the LF, so i swapped them...

You rotated tires from one side to the other? I know with my tires, I can only rotate front to rear on the same side because the tread is directional.

[rich]

oh shit dude. i completely forgot about that!....i remember someone told me this and i fixed it quickly...but i forgot about that...guess i will have them fix that too b/c my tires are directional