usccharles

Hello, Owner of a 4GTS here

Should I do my alignment every time I put on new set of tires?

I just went through the stock set of PZeros after a few trips to the local track (I'm in S Korea). I thought maybe my alignment was off as the left side tires were much more worn compared to my right side. So I went ahead and requested an alignment done while putting on my new tires (trying out Cup 2s) and what do you know my before alignment data was not so off. In hindsight, the track I run is much more right turn intensive, hence I think my greater wear on the left side tires.

But this got me thinking if I indeed need an alignment after every tire change. Also, is there a way to roughly check left/right alignment balance without taking it to the shop, aside from checking tire wear as it looks like my tires will most likely not wear evenly left/right with the current track I'm driving on?

Thank you

C

randr

(1) Were most of the corners right handers - if thats the case the left hand tires take a lot of punishment (obviously the opposite applies).

(2) does your car tramline or feel twitchy - worth an alignment

(3) if you change type of tire - you may want to get an alignment - what works for one brand/type may not work as well for another. (see 2).

(4) when you get an alignment make sure you get a before and after print out.

Lovely photo

CSK 911 C4S

I only had one alignment (around 10K miles) so far in my almost 4 years of ownership after the 1st set of tires cup so bad I had to get them replaced.

After a good bit of tweaking to get everything where it needed to be my tires have been wearing perfectly. (almost 75K miles now)

usccharles

1) both left and right handers but most of the fast and long spit-rubber-out-the-back corners go right

2) no tram or twitch but thanks noted

3) makes sense

4) yes for sure.

Thank you!

usccharles

Sorry not sure I understand your message correctly. How many alignments have you had in 75k miles? Only one?? Do you track your car?

seapar

If you track your car regularly I would advise once a year. Otherwise, it depends on tire wear and alignment settings. You should have a printout of your settings as a guideline. Also you should get an alignment if you feels the car needs it or if you curb a tire. IMO

CSK 911 C4S

Just one alignment ....... one track day..... multiple spirited driving car events.

mrmojom3

I paid $60 for the "check and print out" at the local dealer. If I choose to do the alignment then the $60 go towards it.

I'm doing it since mine is a bit off and I want my car to drive perfect

erko1905

Tough to know if your camber is off as easily (you can see that from tire wear mostly) but you can feel if your toe is off if your car isn't tracking straight under full acceleration and braking. In a controlled environment, you can see this by not holding the steering wheel, and accelerating and braking, car should stay perfectly straight (you need piece of asphalt that's even).

It happened to me a few times where I had a few dicey situations on track, hit a curb or two too hard, and the next lap, at the end of the straight, under hard braking, car pulls left or right as opposed to tracking straight, that's usually a clear sign. After each of those incidents, next time car's on the alignment rack toe was definitely way off.

wareaglescott

Out of curiosity how many miles did you get out of the first set?

Alignment certainly isn't needed every set unless there is some wear indication leading you to believe you need it.

usccharles

Wow impressive

usccharles

I did three track days. About 15 sessions total. My left rear corner was very near threadless by the end of third day, rest of tires were still good for a few more track days I presume. then my rear right caught a metal scrap and flattened. So I figugured a good time to replace tires and get an alignment while I’m at it. But seeing with the data sheet that my alignment wasn’t so off before this new alignment, I’m guessing the wear was due to the track characteristics and so plan to investigate more with the new Cup 2s and new alignment and a few more sessions shortly in a couple weeks.

usccharles

My car was tracking pretty straight throughout. One thing I did notice by the end of each session was that my car got a bit squirmy under heavy braking I’m guessing because the tires were hot and slimy. Was running 32/36 psi hot. Had good traction until then though.

I’ve been reading up on the cup2s and seems I need to be a bit lower around 29-33 psi with these tires. Will have to experiment soon.

usccharles

Good idea. I’ll check if my shop also does a check and print too before committing to an alignment.

Thanks

usccharles

Thank you