Unfortunately SWMBO was involved in an RTA where she and a motorbike came, fortunately at low speed, into contact. The bike hit her car directly on the wheel.
I took it (96 A4) to have it checked out and they said that it was OK and nothing was bent. However I think that they are wrong. Not only is the steering wheel not straight any more (down about 10-15º) but over pot holes and other bumps the car has become very skitish. Also when releasing from full lock, it tends to "hesitate" before recentering - I don't know if this is normal FWD or not.
I put it down to not driving it very often and SWMBO wouldn't notice whether the car had 3 wheels or 4!
Bearing in mind that the Audi dealership has said that all is OK, would a reputable tyre dealer be a good place to get a 2nd opinion? I have a good one around the corner in SW London.
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They may be able to give you a second opinion, but these guys' forte is tyres (ugh - apologies for my butchery of our glorious language), not steering or suspension. I would imagine a bodyshop or accident-repair specialist would be able to give you better advice, and also do something about it if there is something wrong. If the steering-wheel isn't straight it does sound a bit ominous.
Just don't go to Kwik Fit or you'll find yourself coming away with a new exhaust and brake discs.
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Would a reputable tyre dealer be a good place to get a 2nd opinion? I have a good one around the corner in SW London.
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Do not know what part of SW London you are in.
I always get my tracking checked by Feltham Tyre Centre. They are on the A312 near Hatton Cross tube station.
They have a dedicated bay to check the alignment of all four wheels. They regularly upgrade the kit and are always helpful.
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Talked to the local accident repair guys and they said that with my symptoms to get the geometry checked and that a tyre dealer would be best to do it. I have a company called Munster Tyres & Wheels who can do it. (PS they are very good if you keep on top of them!)
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<<....... Munster Tyres & Wheels who can do it. (PSthey are very good if you keep on top of them!)
Especially Lily and Marilyn.
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L'escargot by name, but not by nature.
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Now I have had the wheels done and the tolerance of 0.20 (degrees????) for the front wheels was way way way out. It actually read 3.26
Now I am pretty peeved at the main dealer who said that all was OK and put a call into them and have not heard back yet (5 days later). I thought that I would write to Customer Services but before doing so I wanted to know whether the condition of the car was roadworthy or not?
Are tyres that are very badly aligned a danger?
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I believe so. It will affect handling, braking and cause uneven tyre wear. Somebody with more technical knowledge will be able to tell how bad your figure is.
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If it helps, HiQ (if you have one in your area) has been issuing flyers recently with a £30 voucher for its wheels laser check service.
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