Tyre Options

[k_rider]

Do you mind sharing what you paid per corner then please?

$230 (fitted and balanced) to match Tempe Tyres advertised price for the same tyre.

[k_rider]

That means they've screwed up - the toe-in will be wrong
Best to go to a different/better place and get it sorted to avoid harming your new tyres

Ah, OK. But if the toe-in is not right, wouldn't there be a tendency for the car to pull to one side? It seems to be tracking OK.

It's certainly not the first time I've had a car returned after a wheel alignment with the steering wheel pointing slightly off-centre.

[giveway]

The toe could be correct, they might be just lazy and not put the effort in to get the wheel straight.

Sometimes that's the difference between a $60 alignment and $120 one. They spend an extra 30 mins doing it properly and not just line up the lasers to the spec sheet.


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[Martin]

The toe will be correct only when the wheels are straight
But as the toe has been set with the steering offset,
the left and right track rods are at different positions
When you turn the steering each wheel will go through a slightly different angle (due to geometry) on each side

Over the years a number of my friends have encountered this and not had a big problem - but I'm picky about it

[Antiplastix]

The toe will be correct only when the wheels are straight
But as the toe has been set with the steering offset,
the left and right track rods are at different positions
When you turn the steering each wheel will go through a slightly different angle (due to geometry) on each side

Over the years a number of my friends have encountered this and not had a big problem - but I'm picky about it

No...No...No...... the steering wheel could be upside down and the toe adjustments still correct. The steering wheel is not fixed to the column and can be removed and set to any angle. (and quite often is after a alignment)

[Martin]

It is exceptionally unlikely that they pulled the steering column out of the spline on the rack
The steering arms will be in slightly different positions

[k_rider]

Thanks Martin, that makes sense.

[brad]

The toe will be correct only when the wheels are straight
But as the toe has been set with the steering offset,
the left and right track rods are at different positions
When you turn the steering each wheel will go through a slightly different angle (due to geometry) on each side

Over the years a number of my friends have encountered this and not had a big problem - but I'm picky about it

The toe can be correct & the steering wheel offset... or the toe may be out.

To the OP - incorrect front toe doesn't generally cause a pull / drift unless it's horrendously wrong. Suggest you take it back & get it checked & tweaked. Also ask for a print out of all the current settings & post them here. Front camber, caster & toe. Rear camber, toe & thrust line.

I wouldn't say the tech has stuffed up - just needs to tweak it slightly as sometimes a slightly off steering wheel isn't noticeable on a test drive.

No...No...No...... the steering wheel could be upside down and the toe adjustments still correct. The steering wheel is not fixed to the column and can be removed and set to any angle. (and quite often is after a alignment)

Agree.
It's rare for the tech to pull the steering wheel off these days because of the airbag & the explosive / financial risks associated with removal of that component to get access to the nut.

It's much easier to get underneath & crack the 2x locknuts on the tie rod ends & screw one in & one out an equal amount. You don't even have to put the heads on if the customer isn't watching - just double check with a tape measure.

[K4neX]

Hi all, just wondering if anyone has changed their tyres (17") on a 2014 Ambition Plus wagon? I would like to know if there is any benefit (mainly road noise) to swap out the stock tyres to something like Michelin PS3? Or is there any other recommendation?

Edit: What tyres does the Ambition Plus Wagon come with? How do the new tyres that you put on compare to the stock tyres? And would it be cheaper to get the dealer to change them before delivery or get them done after? Cheers!

[brad]

Hi all, just wondering if anyone has changed their tyres (17") on a 2014 Ambition Plus wagon? I would like to know if there is any benefit (mainly road noise) to swap out the stock tyres to something like Michelin PS3? Or is there any other recommendation?

Edit: What tyres does the Ambition Plus Wagon come with? How do the new tyres that you put on compare to the stock tyres? And would it be cheaper to get the dealer to change them before delivery or get them done after? Cheers!

If you don't know what it comes with then why would you be considering a change at this early stage.

Unless it comes with tyres that are absolute mungers I'd do the following first:
1) Get the wheel alignment checked to ensure it's spot-on. You could even ask them to double check it as part of the PD (they did mine). Ask for a print out to make sure they aren't just nodding their head.
2) Add some sound deadening to the rear end - in the load area & under the rear seats. It does wonders.