2nd Generation Specific (1986-1992) 1986-1992 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections.

Hit a curb...Alignment may be off

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Nov 25, 2002 | 10:48 PM
  #1  
chris_stampe's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Tenured Member 10 Years
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 725
Likes: 0
From: Spearfish, SD
Hit a curb...Alignment may be off

Winter is gay.....I am stupid.....My car has a bit of power....bad combo. What happened is that I have it some gas on a very slight corner and the back end just drifted out a tinny bit and the rear pass. wheel rubbed on the curb. It tore up the wheel a bit, but the tire still held air fine and it seemed to drive good, but it tries to turn left on me. What can I look for that is broken to be throwing my alignment off? Could it be just the rim is bent. Its still icy so its hard to tell how far off the alignment is. SD SUCKS@@!!!!!!
Reply
Old Nov 25, 2002 | 11:10 PM
  #2  
CarmonColvin's Avatar
Senior Member
Tenured Member 20 Years
 
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 446
Likes: 1
From: Helena, Al
A bent rim usually just causes a wiggle or vibration (as if it is out of balance). It might be possible but I have never heard of a bent wheel causing a pull to one side.

There is not much you can eyeball and tell if something is bent or out of alignment. The only thing I have ever seen from damage like that is a bent sway bar end link. That in inself would not cause a pull but it would be an indication that something else is bent.

The only real way to tell is to have the car aligned. Hopefully you just knocked the toe setting out and did not do any major damage.

Be sure to post what you find.
Reply
Old Nov 30, 2002 | 03:08 PM
  #3  
chris_stampe's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Tenured Member 10 Years
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 725
Likes: 0
From: Spearfish, SD
yeah I put the thing up on a jack and the wheel is bent to ****, but it doesnt bounce when im driving which is weird. Feels about like it used to (solid as hell) but now the alignment is off. How much would it cost me to get it aligned?
Reply
Old Nov 30, 2002 | 03:39 PM
  #4  
hybridracer's Avatar
I Post In The Nude
Tenured Member 10 Years
 
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,289
Likes: 0
From: College Station
I believe its about 50 something dollars at good year to have it aligned. Speaking of which I keep putting of calling them to get mine fixed. Damn im lazy
Reply
Old Nov 30, 2002 | 05:34 PM
  #5  
chris_stampe's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Tenured Member 10 Years
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 725
Likes: 0
From: Spearfish, SD
anyone know how they align it? Is it easy to do yourself or do they use a special tool. The reason I ask is because in my case I know which wheel it is, I know what way it must be off, and My car was driving very straight before I decided to be retarded.
Reply
Old Nov 30, 2002 | 05:51 PM
  #6  
CarmonColvin's Avatar
Senior Member
Tenured Member 20 Years
 
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 446
Likes: 1
From: Helena, Al
Originally posted by chris_stampe
anyone know how they align it? Is it easy to do yourself or do they use a special tool. The reason I ask is because in my case I know which wheel it is, I know what way it must be off, and My car was driving very straight before I decided to be retarded.
It is possible to align a car with some string, a level, straight edge, tape measure and a few hours to kill. But it is the kind of thing that if you have to ask how you probably don't have the skill to get it right.

If you take it to a tire shop they will put it on an alignment rack and hang large sensors on your wheels (you will need to replace that bent wheel first) and the computer will tell them what changes need to be made. There is not just a special tool to buy, a good alignment machine costs well over $10,000 and has to be installed into a garage.

Just spend the $50.00 and get a full 4 wheel alignment. If it has been a long time since it has been done to your car it will make a world of difference.
Reply
Old Nov 30, 2002 | 05:55 PM
  #7  
Cwaters's Avatar
Just Messing About
Tenured Member 20 Years
 
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 1,020
Likes: 0
From: Just West of Atlanta
You can't really do it yourself. They use a special rack with a laser-level likerig for the wheels and a computer that can tell them the exact placement of each wheel.
if you don't know when the last time the thing was alligned, just pony-up the dough and take it someplace good.

Cory
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
zyph3r
Canadian Forum
10
Sep 16, 2018 07:14 PM
eplusz
General Rotary Tech Support
15
Oct 7, 2015 04:04 PM
rotor_veux
2nd Generation Specific (1986-1992)
3
Sep 28, 2015 09:25 PM
lnlreaper
2nd Generation Specific (1986-1992)
2
Sep 27, 2015 09:59 AM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 02:00 PM.