Alignment problem
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Senior User
Joined: Apr 2007
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From: Stationed in Beaufort SC
Alignment problem
I just had an alignment done on my 05 250 SD CC 4x4 and it still pulls to the right. The reason for the alignment is that i had some 275/70/18 Toyo MT's put on. It had 275/70/18 Conti's on it.When i pulled out of the tire shop i noticed it pulling to the right. I took it back to the same shop that put the tires on and the measurements for the driver front side was CAMBER:0.1, CASTER:3.3, and TOE:-.10. The new TOE measurement is 0.00. According to the print out the toe was the only thing out. Any suggestions on what would make the truck keep pulling to the right?
Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2005
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From: NJ
What is the measurement for the passenger side? Toe measuremnt also does not have to be zero depending on specs, unless they used zero adjust feature if machine has it. If it pulls right camber or toe could be out. Did it pull to the right before they did the alignment as well? It's possible they only did a toe adjustment. The same shop did the tires and alignment?
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2007
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From: Scio, OR
I find that mine will pull if the tire pressure is not the same on both sides. I'd recommend getting a really high quality digital electronic tire gauge also.
My Dad had tires put on at a tire store recently. Since we had the camper on at the time we told them to put 80 psi in them. When we checked them, there was 80 psi +/- 3 pounds on one side and 90 psi +/- 3 pounds on the other. It really drove like crap.
There were two guys working on the truck, one on each side, and they were each using their own old manual tire pressure gauges. When I put them at exactly 80 psi on both sides, according to my electronic gauge, it drove great.
My Dad had tires put on at a tire store recently. Since we had the camper on at the time we told them to put 80 psi in them. When we checked them, there was 80 psi +/- 3 pounds on one side and 90 psi +/- 3 pounds on the other. It really drove like crap.
There were two guys working on the truck, one on each side, and they were each using their own old manual tire pressure gauges. When I put them at exactly 80 psi on both sides, according to my electronic gauge, it drove great.
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Senior User
Joined: Apr 2007
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From: Stationed in Beaufort SC
The passenger side is Camber:0.1, Caster:3.2, Toe:0.6 before and 0.8 after. The total Toe was-0.04 and now is 0.08 and steer ahead was -0.08 and now is -0.04I used my own pressure gauge after it was done and they still have 80 pounds in them. Could the rear cause it?
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Sep 2000
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From: Stephensville WI
A bad tire will cause this pull, especially if the bad tire is on the front.
One at a time, rotate the tires to the rear and test drive the truck. I suspect the pull will go away.
One at a time, rotate the tires to the rear and test drive the truck. I suspect the pull will go away.
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 8,180
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From: Scio, OR
I can't say I know a lot about specific alignment numbers, I just sorta understand the basics of toe, camber and castor. Given that, I would question why after the alignment you have a left toe of 0.00 and a right toe of 0.08. If these are within the spec'd range, it should be OK though.
As to your tire pressure. First, check your gauge by hitting the same tire two or three times in a row. If you get the same pressure each time you should be OK. If you get two or more different readings, get a better gauge.
Second, if you're not carrying a load, you don't need anywhere near 80 psi. Look at your B-pillar sticker and see what the recommended air pressure is. My recommended is 55 front, 70 rear. I run 55/55 when I'm empty, and up to 70/80 when loaded, depending on the weight of the load and how far forward it is. I don't know why that would cause you to pull though. It might cause a lot of wander though.
As to your tire pressure. First, check your gauge by hitting the same tire two or three times in a row. If you get the same pressure each time you should be OK. If you get two or more different readings, get a better gauge.
Second, if you're not carrying a load, you don't need anywhere near 80 psi. Look at your B-pillar sticker and see what the recommended air pressure is. My recommended is 55 front, 70 rear. I run 55/55 when I'm empty, and up to 70/80 when loaded, depending on the weight of the load and how far forward it is. I don't know why that would cause you to pull though. It might cause a lot of wander though.
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Senior User
Joined: Apr 2007
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From: Stationed in Beaufort SC
The sticker on the door says 75/75. I'll let 5lbs out tomorrow and see what happens. I'll definitely try switching the tires around. Thanks for the help fella's.
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Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2005
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From: NJ
0.00 and 0.08 should still be within spec but they should really be closer then that. Like if one side is 0.00 and the other side is 0.01 or 0.02 I would think thats the better alignment, but it should still not have a pull with the specs you posted for toe. Your camber and caster appear to match on both sides so I doubt that would cause you a problem. Go with changing air pressure and moving tires around. Is it a pull or drift? Some roads are slighlty sloped for water run-off, at least where I live, that will cause a car to drift if you let go of the wheel and that's perfectly normal. However if you let go of the wheel and make a right turn that you got problems 
Junior User
Joined: Sep 2007
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From: Rock Hill
I had a pull to the right on my truck from day one. Brought to family mechanic as I trust him more than dealer. He said not to align but switch tires on front. Cause of right pull was as he said "you have radial pull". He switched them and the truck is fine now.
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From: Stationed in Beaufort SC
I am going to switch the front and rear tires around tomorrow and adjust the air pressure down to 75/75 and i'll let ya'll know what happens. As far as the pull goes, i thought it may be the roads also. It pulls really harf to the right even at low speeds on a level road. I'll let you know what helps. Thanks fellas.
Of the next Riffraff East
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Concord NC
Before you pull the wheel off, check for free wheel by spinning by hand, make sure brakes aren't dragging. Put truck in neutral and check rear as well. On an other thread, over tightened lugs (not torqued) could cause warped rotors which could cause brake drag which would cause pulling.
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Senior User
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From: Stationed in Beaufort SC
I finally got around to rotating the tires and the truck still pulls hard to the right. I'm taking it back to the shop that did the alignment and have them do it again.
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