I just had a VW bus/vanagon knowledgeable private shop do my westy alignment & it cost $60-well worth it IMHO w/ $$$ Hakka tires

YMMV,

Mr. BZ-Russ's Alignment in SLC

On Jan 5, 2011, at 12:39 PM, Jim Arnott wrote:

> After replacing those components you had it aligned, right?  If not, you
> should. IMHO it's worth it to be insistent that they align to to spec, not
> "close enough."  I'd go find a sole proprietor shop rather than a chain.
> Talk up front about what you need/want. Pay the man's hourly rate rather
> than the "$39.95 alignment special" price. Otherwise they'll tend to ignore
> things like caster. (When you adjust the caster, it changes EVERYTHING else.
> Caster adjustments are'fiddley'.)
> 
> Jim
> 
> 
> --------------------------------------------------
> From: "Jim Johnston" <inmytree1@GMAIL.COM>
> Sent: Wednesday, January 05, 2011 9:33 AM
> To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
> Subject:      [VANAGON] Steering Question
> 
>> Hello all,
>> 
>> I have a 1991 GL, Manual with a Subie 2.2.  In August 2010, I upgraded to
>> 16
>> inch Gowesty Steel Rims.  A few weeks ago I replaced worn upper ball
>> joints
>> and put on new shocks all around.  The lower ball joints looked ok, the
>> tie
>> rod ends looked a bit worn.
>> 
>> Last week I noticed, when driving straight, my steering wheel is off
>> slightly, whereas it I have to keep it slightly turned to the left (maybe
>> an
>> inch, if that) to keep things straight.  My first thought is alignment,
>> but
>> before I take it to a shop and drop some cash, I'd consult the list for
>> other possible issues.
>> 
>> Worn tie rods ends?  Worn upper bushings?  Steering Rack?  All of the
>> above...?
>> 
>> Any input would be appreciated.
>> 
>> Jim
>> Wilmington, NC