Alignment Before or After New Tires ?

rgatijnet1 wrote:

03 RoadKing wrote:

Bumpyroad wrote:
I just got new tires. ran up the street and had 4 wheel alignment done.
bumpy

You got a 4 wheel alignment on a motor home?????

Yep, aligning the rear axle is called the thrust angle alignment and makes sure that all four wheels are going in a straight line and square to each other. As seen from the rear, if a vehicle's rear axle is out of alignment the vehicle looks like it is crabbing down the road. Adjusting and aligning the rear axle eliminates this crabbing and results in better rear tire wear and better handling for the coach.

I see a lot of semi trailers going down the road that look like the trailer is trying to pass the tractor.:E axels not aligned. Larry

03 RoadKing wrote:

Bumpyroad wrote:
I just got new tires. ran up the street and had 4 wheel alignment done.
bumpy

You got a 4 wheel alignment on a motor home?????

Yep, aligning the rear axle is called the thrust angle alignment and makes sure that all four wheels are going in a straight line and square to each other. As seen from the rear, if a vehicle's rear axle is out of alignment the vehicle looks like it is crabbing down the road. Adjusting and aligning the rear axle eliminates this crabbing and results in better rear tire wear and better handling for the coach.

mike brez wrote:
I didn't know they did alignments on travel trailers

Yes. The shop that does my Peterbilt and 53' Reefer trailers, also does motorhomes and travel trailers. When I first got a 42' toy hauler, I took it in to them. He got the axles set right, good wear now.

The HD shops do them all.

Bumpyroad wrote:
I just got new tires. ran up the street and had 4 wheel alignment done.
bumpy

You got a 4 wheel alignment on a motor home?????

psw757 wrote:
Similar question,

Just had an alignment at freightliner on a brand new coach that had a minor toe in issue on both fronts wheels. They corrected it.

I am now replacing the steel wheels and simulators with some nice Alcoa aluminums. I'm assuming as long as the new wheels are balanced and since the alignment was just corrected I should not need another alignment from just putting new wheels on correct?

Thanks

Correct.

Lou
05 Travel Supreme Envoy

Similar question,

Just had an alignment at freightliner on a brand new coach that had a minor toe in issue on both fronts wheels. They corrected it.

I am now replacing the steel wheels and simulators with some nice Alcoa aluminums. I'm assuming as long as the new wheels are balanced and since the alignment was just corrected I should not need another alignment from just putting new wheels on correct?

Thanks

A lot of money is wasted on unnecessary alignments. If the old tires are not showing abnormal wear patterns nor is there any handling problems alignments become simply a profit point for the shop doing them.

I don't think that I would have front tire work done at a shop that can't align them, too. Unless in extremis. I don't think it matters for the rears.

PastorCharlie wrote:
Aliments are not based off the tire but the wheel.

Exactly !!!!

It would be helpful for the alignment technician to see the old tire
wear pattern if possible. I frequently take photos of items I need
to remember or show to others.

Don't forget to insure that the alignment tech checks the front
end and steering components for wear. He will also "center" the
steering wheel.

Be sure to tell the alignment tech if there are any noises or wandering issues as he may want to increase the caster angle a little.

My mechanic has the same philosphy with Sailor Lou's guy!