Wheel alignment specs

[Woody88]

Fitted new tyres in July. The agent offered 5000km inspection and check, so I did.

On fitting I got a report with the front and rear toe/camber/caster numbers in mm. The toe numbers were 0.5 (front) and 1.75(rear)

The car felt too stable, flat almost and I couldn't help wonder why I was dragging my tyres sideways that much.

So when I took it back for the free inspection I asked the question. The agent was dismissive but I asked the numbers to be dialed back, claiming they were too aggressive.

I got a report back showing 0.25 and 0.50 for front and rear. The car feels more responsive, it really does but it's a subjective thing and I could be imagining it ... no measures.

I have searched but failed to locate any VW specs for alignment settings. If anyone can point me at them I would appreciate it. 2012 GTD.


P.S. The tyre agents were not helpful for this free service. I received no other feedback on the tyre wear, pressures etc. They just pushed the keys and the hand written alignment report across the counter then started talking to someone who was going to pay them something. That experience means that I will not be buying more tyres from that business.

[brad]

You wouldn't have got caster & camber in mm. It's only ever measured in degrees.

0.5mm toe-in front & 1.75mm toe-in rear is within spec (it's about 1mm +-1mm total toe).

What are the rest of your measurements?

Specs are in here. But I wouldn't run any more than -1.25 degrees camber on the rear even though it says you can go to -1.85degrees as you will get sawtoothing.

I agree though, the "come back every xxx kilometres for a free check" are fairly useless. I know when i was doing them, I'd be getting the free customers on & off the rack as quick as possible at they weren't helping me make bonus.

OTOH, what did you expect if everything was in specification & there were no issues?

If you are in Woodford NSW I'd suggest you go to Sydney Suspension (used to be Wholesale Suspension) in Penrith. Tell them how you want the car to feel and they can set it up accordingly. Most people don't like them set up "lively".

[Woody88]

Woodford QLD. Thanks for the reply.

Camber was 1.8 and I was starting to get sawtooth. Now 1.3.

About tyre wear ... wouldn't these settings have a big effect on wear rate?

[brad]

sometimes, sometimes not.

Depends on the tyre, the tyre pressure, the driving style and how worn the suspension is.

Some people can have their alignment spot-on & still get weird tyre wear.

It's 100km away but Accurate Suspension in Woodridge are really good