Pull to the left... (post alignment!)

[JimmyVdub]

I had exactly the same problems with I bought my Polo in Brisbane - I had to take it back to the dealer THREE times to get the alignment done. In the end they told me they were having a problem with their alignment machine.

Mind you, once they did it right, it was pretty much perfect and has stayed that way for 5K, and I've had no other problems with the car.

I'd just keep taking it back and complaining until they get it right.

[insanekiwi]

Thanks guys. At the moment, on motorways (highways) the car is almost straight with hands off. It's usually worse on cambered road, there slight tilt on camber will signifity it's difference.

I've been to the dealer today, apparently these cars are cradle adjustable. So camber can be adjusted (not individually, but move left to right to compensate one other).

To get it done, I need to get another alignment done through the dealer so the mechanic can take it to alignment place, and adjust the cradle underneath.

Mine is almost perfect at the moment, so I just want to leave it for now. I guess in one year time, when it's time for alignment, I will get it done under warranty

So yup, answering my own question, it can be done.

[FLOSPOLOGTI]

To add to the thread - its the castor setting that is causing the problems with these cars. Castor is adjusted (read as engineered) at factory to allow for camber of left or right cambered roads according to the vicinity that the car will end up in the world. The castor set by VW does not seem enough to combat a lot of Australian roads - drive on left hand side/camber to the left and hence the car will pull to left irrespective of toe and camber adjustment. In addition the lower control arm bush (rear) has so much 'play' in it its not funny !!.
Anyone here who has their cars on an alignment laser machine next - use a tool to manipulate this bush and see on the real-time screen just how much it throws the alignment settings - particularly toe, to a degree castor - you will not believe what you are seeing, considering most good alignments are set to 'minute' parameter and not 'degrees'.

[Jmac]

Ive just finished up at Porsche but had 14 years with Vw, mate we did the alignments and this includes porsches, when you have adjusted the camber and you are ready to adjust the toe, lock up the steering wheel with it pointing a poofteenth to the left like 1 tooth if you like. When driving you will corrcet not knowing it and this accomodates the camber on our roads mate. Trust me havent had a porsche with a problem yet. I did the same in the UK (same side of the road)
CHeers

[PeterHBne]

Speaking of bushings, has anyone ever looked into polyurethane replacements for some of the bushings? I replaced all these on my old Charade and it makes a hell of a difference to the precision of steering/handling.

[Giallorosso]

Sorry to bump an old thread.

My car has been pulling to the left for a while. It has always pulled to the left slightly but in the past couple of months it has gotten worse, to the point where if I take my hands off the wheel I end up straight towards the gutter in about 2-3 seconds!

Anyway, I fitted new tyres last week and this morning went for a wheel alignment to try and fix the problem.

The toe and camber was adjusted, but it still pulls to the left badly. Guy said that the caster is off and that they can't adjust this, is that true?

On the printout I have the caster is listed as +03.80 +04.46. He said this isn't normal...does anyone know the stock caster values for the Polo's?

He asked if I've been in an accident. No. He asked if I've hit a massive pothole recently? No. Said I should contact VW and try and find the stock caster values for these cars.

Really not sure what to do now. I know the dealer will rip me off for an alignment, but surely they can fix it? Otherwise perhaps I should go to a specialist suspension place in Sydney (Spinning Wheels?)

Anyone had a similar experience?