Alignment

Tiny
BLESS2SUCCESS
  • MEMBER
  • 2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER
  • 4.2L
  • V6
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 133,000 MILES
I bought new tires for my vehicle way back in December 2015 and never had an alignment done on the vehicle afterwards. Even though the tires are four years old can I still get an alignment or do I have to purchase a set of brand new tires?
Sunday, February 24th, 2019 AT 10:25 AM

7 Replies

Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 13,010 POSTS
You can do an alignment any time. The tires will simply start wearing to match whatever changes the alignment makes. If you have been keeping them rotated and none are showing odd wear you may not need an alignment. Or are you seeing wear or other problems?
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Sunday, February 24th, 2019 AT 11:19 AM
Tiny
BLESS2SUCCESS
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  • 45 POSTS
When I try driving straight the vehicle goes left.
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Sunday, February 24th, 2019 AT 11:20 AM
Tiny
STEVE W.
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Does the steering wheel try to turn left or does it just pull left? That can also be a sign of a bad tire.
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Sunday, February 24th, 2019 AT 11:41 AM
Tiny
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  • 45 POSTS
It pulls left. For example; if I take my hands off the steering wheel while the car is still moving.
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Sunday, February 24th, 2019 AT 11:48 AM
Tiny
STEVE W.
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That can be alignment but a low or damaged tire can do that as well. First I would verify that all the tires are inflated the same, then I would rotate the tires and see if the pull changes or goes away. If it does then it's a bad tire. If not then it's time to check out the alignment and the front suspension for worn parts.
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Sunday, February 24th, 2019 AT 7:36 PM
Tiny
BLESS2SUCCESS
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Worn parts like the tie rods?
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Sunday, February 24th, 2019 AT 7:38 PM
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 13,010 POSTS
Tie rods, ball joints, bushings all can wear and make the suspension act strange, pulling, wandering and more are the result. Another item that can cause pulling would be a brake caliper that is not releasing fully.
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Monday, February 25th, 2019 AT 12:53 AM

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