2003 Elantra Alignment - Hyundaitech?

Since January, 2005, I've had recurring problems with my wheel
alignment. I'll make a real long story short, but now after my 5th
alignment, 7th new tire, 3rd new wheel stud, I am still having
problems. I have tried three different shops, one of them recommended
to me by a mechanic friend as the best out there, with similar results.

What I am asking is if there is something "special" about an alignment
on this car that maybe these private shops don't know? Do I need to
have the dealer do it? I suspect my dealer would just sub this work
out anyway as I have never seen an alignment machine there.

I should mention that we also have a 2002 Elantra that has had one
alignment since it was purchased new (preventative) without a single
problem.

Any and all help appreciated.

Eric

 

There's nothing really special about the alignment on these vehicles. We
have technicians that do that type of work exclusively at my place of
employment, so it's been a while since I've done one. However, I believe
all that's adjustable is the front and rear toe. Any place familiar with
alignments should be able to do one.

So, here's a few questions.

Have the alignments been done under warranty?
Did you ever get a printout of the alignment after the work was done?
What has been the treadwear pattern with the tires?
Has the car ever been in a collision?

There are a number of possibilities. Your car may have never been aligned
properly. There may be a problem with a nonadjustable setting that was
never reported to you. Something could be bent from collision. Parts
could be worn.

 

All good questions that I should have answered:

1. Yes, all done under warranty except the very first that I paid for.
The other shops that worked on the car did it under consignment from the
first place I paid to do the work that they could not get right.

2. Two times I did get a printout that showed before and after.
Everything was within specs according to them.

3. I am getting excessive wear on the outside edge of the drivers side
front tire, and the inside edge of the passenger front tire. I guess
that can indicate a lot of things, but it seems the toe is off to me.

4. The car has been in one small collision (under 4 MPH accoding to
body shop estimate and repair). I had only minor bumper damage.

You mentioned the collision, which I had not thought about before. Even
a small one can damamge some critical parts that could have been missed
I suppose. Thanks for mentioning this. I may take it to the dealer to
inspect since that would be covered under my collision repair.

Also, if I am not mistaken, the camber is also adjustable on these cars.

Thanks. I'll follow up when I get something. Any other ideas?

 

Is the steering rack centered when the steering wheel is centered?
i.e, is there the exact same number of turns to full right stop as there is
to full left stop when the steering wheel is centered?

Bob

 

I posted a reply to this, but it never appeared. It's still on my list of
posts in black. I'll try again.

If you're wearing on the inside of one front tire and the outside of
another, it's not a toe issue. I'd check the tie rod ends for looseness
to be safe, but I doubt you'll find anything.

Gather your printouts from the alignments. Use the one from the most
recent if you have it. Usually they will have the readings and
specifications on them. Pay particular attention to your front camber.
Camber isn't adjustable on your car, but camber too negative on one side
and too positive on the other can cause the issue you describe. Also
check your rear toe and thrust angle if you can. If your rear tires both
point to the right (excessive positive toe on L/R and excessive negative
toe on R/R, but not necessarily out of spec for total toe), then you may
have your front wheels perpetually turned right for the car to continue
straight ahead. I don't have much technical expertise with the more
complicated alignment issues, but I think in theory what I said about the
rear toe could possibly cause the condition you have. If there's someone
here with more expertise in alignments, perhaps they'll chime in. In any
event, if you have any of these issues, something is bent.