Community Forums

Spizzer · 10-23-2019, 08:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by A Traveler

X2!!!

I had the same kind of report on our Freightliner chassis...thrust angle off by .48 degrees, which is HUGE! The local shop wanted to cut and reweld to fix it. I declined and took it to another well respected alignment shop that specialized in motor homes, just a few hours away. Their verdict? Thrust angle was .04 degrees...well within specs.

I told the local shop about the big discrepancy. They found that their alignment machine was out of calibration. WAY out of calibration.

Get a second opinion!

I think you guys have the best advice.....get a second opinion. I will check around town to find out what other places might be available that I would trust. I went to this particular shop as it was where I had purchased my tires from a few years ago. No other reason.

Thanks,
jeff

Spizzer · 10-23-2019, 08:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dav L

toe adjustment doesn't affect thrust angle at all.
If it is abnormally pulling (has it changed over time?) then get a second opinion from a real truck alignment shop.

Dave,

I do understand that. He tweaked the toe not to try and fix the thrust, but to see if it would help my pulling to the side.

The pulling to the side I think hasn't suddenly appeared. It is so slight that I can never convince myself it isn't the wind, the crown of the road, etc.. It is just this trip where I felt it was definitely there.

thanks, jeff

Dav L · 10-23-2019, 08:52 AM

Hi Jeff, toe doesn't affect pull either.
It does affect center of steering wheel and centering force (this and caster).
It also negatively affects tire wear when too much toe (positive or negative).

Sounds like the issue is minor and you might just want to drive it instead of having people messing with near perfect.

There are specs and if it's to spec, drive it.

Pulling is either Thrust or drag on one side (typically brakes). Note that a worn part can show up on alignment as good (or bad) and be bad when driving when the vehicle pushes the worn part to it's extreme side from braking or suspension jostle. But if you aren't hearing any clunking, aren't feeling any undue looseness in steering and the RV feels stable on the road, drive it.

Jim_HiTek · 10-23-2019, 09:33 AM

Just remembered something...while I was trying to figure out why my old '94 Bounder with FL chassis pulled to the right, I did some internet searches about what would cause it if the alignment turned out to be OK and the consensus was 'tires'. And that rotating tires was the easy fix. Front to back and criss-cross type rotation. It was a long time ago and my memory...

But anyway, something to consider. Never did the rotation thing myself.

My newer '02 FL chassis though...wow, tracks perfectly. Even where I'd expect the road crown to push me to the right. Fingers crossed it stays that way.

Spizzer · 10-24-2019, 06:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dav L

Hi Jeff, toe doesn't affect pull either.
It does affect center of steering wheel and centering force (this and caster).
It also negatively affects tire wear when too much toe (positive or negative).

Sounds like the issue is minor and you might just want to drive it instead of having people messing with near perfect.

There are specs and if it's to spec, drive it.

Pulling is either Thrust or drag on one side (typically brakes). Note that a worn part can show up on alignment as good (or bad) and be bad when driving when the vehicle pushes the worn part to it's extreme side from braking or suspension jostle. But if you aren't hearing any clunking, aren't feeling any undue looseness in steering and the RV feels stable on the road, drive it.

Thanks, Dave. Good info. I have learned a lot through the process, which will help me going forward. I appreciate you expertise.

Jeff

Spizzer · 10-24-2019, 06:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim_HiTek

Just remembered something...while I was trying to figure out why my old '94 Bounder with FL chassis pulled to the right, I did some internet searches about what would cause it if the alignment turned out to be OK and the consensus was 'tires'. And that rotating tires was the easy fix. Front to back and criss-cross type rotation. It was a long time ago and my memory...

But anyway, something to consider. Never did the rotation thing myself.

My newer '02 FL chassis though...wow, tracks perfectly. Even where I'd expect the road crown to push me to the right. Fingers crossed it stays that way.

Thanks, Jim. You know, it seems like I’m always driving in a cross wind, and hundreds of miles steering into that has to wear the tires some. I see how that could cause a slight pull one way or another. Rotating the rears up to the front would fix that. I appreciate the insight!

Jeff