Toyota Tundra Forum

Now that the holidays have come and gone and things are settling down a little I will try to post some more info for you guys.

What Everyone Should Know About Wheel Alignment



On the above vehicle, the front wheels are not aligned to the rear thrust line. This can happen from normal wear and stress, whether your vehicle has adjustable or non-adjustable rear suspension.

To steer straight ahead, you would have to steer the front wheels slightly to the right.

A common result would be that the vehicle would “dog track” and possibly “pull” to the side.

Of course, the angles are exaggerated so you can more easily see the condition. But it takes only a small misalignment to create problems.

Why Four Wheel Alignment?

Reduced Tire Wear
Improper alignment is a major cause of premature tire wear. Over the years, a properly aligned vehicle can add thousands of miles to tire life.

Better Gas Mileage
Gas mileage increases as rolling resistance decreases. Total alignment sets all four wheel parallel which, along with proper inflation, minimizes rolling resistance.

Improved Handling
Does your car pull to one side? Does the steering wheel vibrate? Do you constantly have to move the steering wheel to keep your car traveling straight ahead? Many handling problems can be corrected by total alignment. With all the system components aligned properly, road shock is more efficiently absorbed for a smoother ride.

Safer Driving
A suspension system inspection is part of our alignment procedure. This allows us to spot worn parts before they cause costly problems.



For vehicles with non-adjustable rear suspensions TUNDRA



1. Angle readings are measured at all four wheels.
2. The steering wheel is centered.
3. Front wheels are referenced to rear thrust line and set to specifications.

Result: All four wheels are parallel and the steering wheel is centered.

For vehicles with adjustable rear suspensions




1. Angle readings are measured at all four wheels.
2. Rear wheels are set to specification. (Rear thrust line corresponds to vehicle centerline.)
3. Steering wheel is centered.
4. Front wheels are referenced to the rear thrust line and set to specification.

Result: all four wheels are positioned straight ahead and parallel, and the steering wheel is centered.

Important Questions About Wheel Alignment

Q. How important is wheel alignment?

A. Think of it this way. Research indicates that the average car is driven about 12,000 miles per year. A car with toe alignment just 0.34 degrees (Just 0.17 inches) out of specification has dragged its tires sideways for more than 68 miles by the end of the year!

Q. What are the “symptoms” of a car that's out of alignment?

A. Have your car checked if you notice:

* Excessive or uneven tire wear.
* Steering wheel pulls to the left or right.
* Feeling of looseness or wandering.
* Steering wheel is not centered when car is moving straight ahead.

Q. How often should I have my car aligned?

A. Follow the vehicle manufacturer's recommendation noted in your owner's manual. But, as a general rule, have your vehicle's tires checked every 10,000 miles or at least once a year.



Bill

Attached Thumbnails

     

__________________
2008 SILVER CREWMAX

• 5.7 LITER
• PIAA 540 X-treme White Driving Lighting System

You guys ever do one of those GMC quadrasteer trucks? Those look like a nightmare to maintain.

Good info Bill.

__________________

2008 Tundra CrewMax 5.7 4X4
______________________________________
Mods- Homelink Mirror, Expedition One front and rear winch bumpers, PIAA 510 Ion fogs, Backup Camera, Lund Interceptor Bug Shield, Truxxx 3/1 leveling kit, 20% front window tint, 18x9 XD Monsters +18 offset, 325/60 R18 Mickey Thompson Baja ATZ's, DiamondDeluxe 3Hole Dogbox, Bushwacker Fender Flares, Custom Front Emblem, Weathertech front and rear liners, Husky center hump liner, N-Fab textured step bars

Seems like we did a couple years ago. We have 3 alignment racks and have aligned just about everything.

Another great lesson. Thanks for taking the time to educate us Warren.

__________________
-wleeb

I had my truck aligned after the Truxxx kit to the Truxxx specs 1/32" toe. I had noticed some uneven wear on the outside edge of the Duellers. Took it in for an alignment and it had changed to 1/4"! This has pretty much ruined the outside shoulder on these tires. This probably only took a month or two of being misaligned on the toe by 7/32"!!! It really doesn't take much. Although I don't really like these Duellers much after owning them, it's my fault (alignment) the shoulders are worn out.

__________________
2007 Slate Metallic
5.7L (Do they make another engine?)
Double Cab SR5
TRD Off-Road 4X4



Black Billet Grille, TundraTruckz Stubbie Antenna, Armourthane Liner, Leer Canopy, BF Goodrich A/T 285/65-18, Truxx Levelling Kit, Ride-Rite Rear Airbags.

That's to bad salem. Sometimes there's some settling in the suspension after new parts. I"m pretty sure the align spec's vary depending on Tundra model also, (reg cab, double, or crew).

Assuming your rear tire are still pretty good you could rotate the front tires to the rear and keep an eye on them.