[Perm]

Hi,

When I am driving on a level straight road I have to keep my steering wheel a few degrees to the right to keep the car going straight. Does that indicate my wheel tracking is out ?

Is getting the tracking straight a “easy” thing to fix, should I be able to trust a KwitFit type place or does it need to be booked in with MINI ?


Thanks

Perm

[Root Ginger]

Get a laser alignment check done. I wouldn't recommend Kwik Fit really try someone like ATS or an independant garage.

This will indicate what's wrong. Tracking, camber, toe in and out etc. They will then put it all back to within spec for you and you get a nice print out to show you how it's all set.

[robbo mcs]

Hi,

I know this sounds really obvious, but check your tyre pressures first to make sure they are all correct.

Robbo

[Bilbo Baggins]

Also, with the natural crown of the road it is normal for the car to pull a little to the left. If you can find an empty parking lot, that is reasonably level try it there and see if the pull is the same.

[xtremepsionic]

This also depends heavily on the tire you're using. Usually lower profile/wider tires will tend to follow the road camber a lot more than skinny/smaller tires.

My MINI with 15" holies and 175/65/15 conti tracks EXTREMELY straight. On a flat level road I can easily go for 300-500 meters with my hands off the wheel (at highway speeds, 70mph). So if you have 15" tires like mine, expect nothing less from a tracking/alignment service.

[Perm]

Thanks for the replies.

I have checked the tyre pressure...... all ok.

I will look for a good tyres specialist to check the tracking......... other than ATS anyone recommend another major chain that you would trust for wheel alignment ?

Root Ginger who did you use?


Cheers

Perm

[St00ge]

Quote: Originally Posted by Perm

Hi,

When I am driving on a level straight road I have to keep my steering wheel a few degrees to the right to keep the car going straight. Does that indicate my wheel tracking is out ?

Is getting the tracking straight a “easy” thing to fix, should I be able to trust a KwitFit type place or does it need to be booked in with MINI ?


Thanks

Perm

i too have to hold my steering wheel slightly to the right to go in a straight line. My tyre pressures are all ok as well. I've had my steering re-aligned, didn't do anything really...i just live with it

[Mini Soph]

Sounds like your tracking's out.....Try Nottingham Alignment Service 0115 959 9144 based in Colwick

[Perm]

Thanks for the information.

I called ATS who said they can not do the tracking on the new MINI as BMW have not yet realised the information on the correct settings!! Suggested I went back to the main dealer.

Does anyone know if this is correct? Does anyone have the correct settings for a MCS with 17" S-Spokes Alloys?

Thanks

Perm

[Mini Soph]

Load of poop! I've had Mini's for 4 years and always taken mine to my Tyre distributor when i'm home and if i'm away the nearest alignment dudes and they do it fineeeeeee

Get them laser aligned you'll be back to normal in no time.

[Perm]

Mini Soph,

Seemed a bit odd to me......... I will speak to Nottingham Alignment Service.

Have you used this company before ?

They are quoting max of £47.00 ; £32.00 + VAT for the front plus £10.00 for the rears if they need doing.

Does that sound about right ?

Perm

[Mini Soph]

One of my pals has used them.

Hmmmm I only pay about £25 I think

Where do you buy/get your tyres fitted? Take it down to them they should do a laster alignment for you.

[Indigomatt]

Any one know of a good 'trusted & visited' place up nr Glasgow...?

Also 16" Dunlop SP 3000A DSST tyres...£121.00 each ...any cheaper around....?

Ta, M.

[Perm]

I have booked myself in at Nottingham Alignment Service to be seen at 4:00 PM today.
Will report back on if they are any good / if it fixes my problem.

A link in case anyone else is interested.

http://www.alignment-services.co.uk/


Cheers

Perm

[Root Ginger]

Quote: Originally Posted by Perm

Thanks for the replies.

I have checked the tyre pressure...... all ok.

I will look for a good tyres specialist to check the tracking......... other than ATS anyone recommend another major chain that you would trust for wheel alignment ?

Root Ginger who did you use?


Cheers

Perm

My mate owns a tyre and exhaust shop in Bedford so I go there. He hasn't got any alignment equipment but they have an account with ATS which is at the back of his shop. Did a fine job of my car as I have camber adjusters too.

Oh BTW all the measurements are in the Haynes manual.

[Perm]

Quick update

Have now had my tracking fixed……… The two front wheels were both out and the rears where slightly out. As a result the car now drives straight and true again.

The whole process was more expensive than I would have like at £47.00, however the company inspired confidence and clearly knew what they were doing.

Mini Soph thank you for the recommendation.

Cheers

Perm

[Mini Soph]

No probs glad your sorted Think my Front Left wheel bearing's on the way out LOL! Only had a new rear put on last wk! Ahhh dear!

[Richard Crofts]

Sounds like the natural camber of the road pulling you left a touch. Tracking out usually fells like the car is side to side wishy washy on the road serface when travelling at a constant speed. Its difficult to spot in the town, usually becomes appaernt in the middlelane of Mway or on dueltrack. The slight pull or vear to left is probably nothing more than the natural tilt of the road...unless you have bashed some curbs or big potholes. Get it checked if you want to be safe its not that expensive.

R

[Richard Crofts]

Soz only just saw you have it fixed....Good to hear.

[Perm]

Hello,
Just for the fun of it I called my local BMW dealer for a quote to check and fix the tracking......

Now to carry out exactly the same work ( 4 wheel adjustment) on exactly the same machine as Nottingham Alignment Service they wanted to charge £150 plus adjustments !!!!!!

I suddenly feel a lot happier on spending only £47.00.


Perm