Re: alignment on 87 5kcstq

[paul.heneghan@bbc.co.uk (Paul Heneghan)]

From: Mark Trank <mtrank%acva@mail.co.albemarle.va.us>

>As part of the post-purchase regimen, I had an alignment performed on my
>87 5k after 4 new tires were installed.  As a result, the car has been
>experiencing a noticeable pull to the right.  Shop says the alignment is
>correct, that "its in the tires."  Wait a minute, said I, the tires are
>new and that explanation doesn't make any sense to me.

Couple of possibilities here.

1. Roads have camber to get rid of rain water.  In the UK all cars 
experience a slight pull to the left (we drive on the left).  In the US you 
will experience a slight pull to the right.  Find a quiet straight road 
somewhere and try driving on the wrong side of the road (if you have a head 
on collision, don't blame me!).  Does your pull change to the left - if not 
then the car has a problem.

2. Tracking not right despite what shop says.  Get it checked at another 
shop (many ofer free checks).  If it keeps checking out OK, then you have a 
bent suspension component or chassis - bring it to a good body shop and get 
them to make some measurements.

>Q:  Are there any special procedures to be followed when aligning a
>quattro?  The tires I replaced had noticeable wear on the inside
>tread.....

The rear toe is critical to handling and tyre wear.  Also, it is pointles 
carrying out an alignment if your suspnesion components (especially 
 wishbone (a-arm) bushes) are worn.

Paul
paul.heneghan@bbc.co.uk
1984 Audi 80 quattro
1989 Audi 100 Avant

p.s. I had a VW Jetta that hit a kerb.  This bent the front suspension which 
I replaced and also bent the rear beam/trailing arm which was not so obvious 
so I did not replace it.  I got the wheels aligned in a reputable VW 
specialist shop.  They adjusted the camber/toe of the front wheels and never 
bothered to check the rear.  After this, the car crabbed very badly.  When I 
sighted along one of the rear wheels it was about 5 degrees out!  I replaced 
the rear beam/trailing arm and everything was fine again.