Tracking

[Alan]

Last year i had a front end smash in my bravo. It wasn't too bad but the front strut behind teh bumper was bent inand had to be pulled out. When i got the car back i thought it felt a little less stable but i wasn't sure if it was just me after driving a combination of a mk4 escort and an astra van for the god knows how long it was off the road. Anyway, i got used to it and forgot about it. The front tyres are now due for changing but they have worn about 0.4mm more on the inside than on the outsides (although that was measured with a cheap depth gauge, i'll bring a vernea from work and get a better figure). Should i get the tracking checked?

Thing is i don't trust quickfit etc as i once took my uno to quickfit in donny, they said the tracking was +3mm, i didn't have it changed and went to quickfit in scunny, they said it was fine!

Anyone got any advice?

 

[Anonymous]

Try N.T.S.

 

[Alan]

Re: Re: Tracking

ok, i'll find the nearest one and give em a try! thanks.

 

[andy1881]

Re: Re: Re: Tracking

I'd agree, NTS are pretty damn good

andy

 

[Al]

Hi Alan,

Any reputable tyre centre will gladly show you the readings as they take them if you ask. What they will do is put a brace on your steering wheel to ensure that it is centered and then attach metal plates (that's what they look like) to the front and back wheels. These will then shine a light on a gauge that they put at the front end of the car.

The position of the beam edge on the gauge tells you how the tracking is set up (the gauge will usually have markings from 0 to +/- 5. If the readings on either side of your car add up to +/-1 then your tracking is OK (for example if the beam on the left front is +2 and the front left is -1 then the average is +1). Any further out any the track rods will need adjusting or the geometry of the chassis has been knocked out by the smack. Either way, at least you will know if you're being shafted.

Al.

P.S. Kwik Fit are a complete bag o' shite. Use an independant wherever possible and ask some local independant car dealers who they use.

Shabash!

 

[Alan]

Re: Re: Tracking

ok, cheers lads, i've found a place that has pirelli p6000's or dunlops for under £35 each so i'll give em a go!

 

[Alan]

Re: Re: Re: Tracking

cheers lads!

Got a couple of new tyres this morning and had the tracking done.

The car feels a lot better now!