alignment problem
I went on a road trip this weekend. As I would get to highway speed at 60-80 mph, the front of the car would vibrate pretty strong. It would do it with or without giving it gas or being in gear. About a month ago my car was pulling to the left pretty good. Since there was no porsche service place in my hometown, I took it to the best alignment shop we have here. So, I got the car back, and it felt like they did not do a thing. I was not too happy. Now, my car is pulling VERY hard to the left. If I let go of the wheel, I can change lanes in 1 second. If I do not grap the wheel, the wheel turns more and more. I have 17" wheels. What could this be?
There has been a LOT of discussion of alignment on this site and on the RennList email list.
Basically, few shops know how to properly align a 928. If the shop lifts the car before or during the alignment, and does not pull the front end down a specified amount for a specified time, the alignment is WRONG. The inner edges of the front tires will wear out in a very short time.
Search the archives, and learn about alignment.
With that being said, if the car didn't pull as you left the shop, the alignment is not likely to be causing the pull or the vibration.
Check the tire pressures (all four) carefully. Check for bad/loose wheel bearings, dragging brakes and loose suspension or steering parts. Check for missing wheel weights. Check for bad tires, such as separated tread or bubbles.
Basically, few shops know how to properly align a 928. If the shop lifts the car before or during the alignment, and does not pull the front end down a specified amount for a specified time, the alignment is WRONG. The inner edges of the front tires will wear out in a very short time.
Search the archives, and learn about alignment.
With that being said, if the car didn't pull as you left the shop, the alignment is not likely to be causing the pull or the vibration.
Check the tire pressures (all four) carefully. Check for bad/loose wheel bearings, dragging brakes and loose suspension or steering parts. Check for missing wheel weights. Check for bad tires, such as separated tread or bubbles.
----
....the front of the car would vibrate pretty strong.
----
The inner edges of the front tires will wear out in a very short time.
----
This due to toe-out instead of toe-in. Then when you drive fast, the front wheel will not roll free, and will start jumping - Normally that's worst during acceleration from 100 M/h and up. But of course depending of how much toe-out you have.
....the front of the car would vibrate pretty strong.
----
The inner edges of the front tires will wear out in a very short time.
----
This due to toe-out instead of toe-in. Then when you drive fast, the front wheel will not roll free, and will start jumping - Normally that's worst during acceleration from 100 M/h and up. But of course depending of how much toe-out you have.
That pisses me off! I have had 2 crapy alignment jobs. I bought some new tires for $800, and they are 30% done in a month! My symptoms are EXACTLY that! Vibrates and I have nasty wear on the inner tires! It is a classic! Thanks for your help!


