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[jereboam]

Many apologies for this, but I have a minor (I hope) problem with the car.  I'm sure that I could find the answer here if I had both the time and the energy, but for various reasons, I don't.

The car is pulling slightly to the left.  I had two new tyres fitted on Friday, and I have to say that the old fronts were a disgrace.  If a copper had noticed them, he'd have locked me up and thrown away the key.  I hadn't noticed because I hadn't done a full inspection of the tyres for a long time - I don't get out much these days, so I don't do much mileage.  The car was "serviced" last Monday, and I had a track-rod end replaced a couple of months back, as it was observed to be in need of replacement when I had something else done - can't actually remember what.  I think they may have said I needed new tyres at the same time.

Anyway, what do I do about the pull to the left?  I don't have 100% confidence in the bloke who is doing the work for me these days.  He's a friend of my next-door neighbour, who has a company car, so doesn't actually use him.  (I fell out with the very reliable and cheap local garage after a couple of routine jobs that that cost a lot of money and weren't done very well.)

I'm not sure whether to get "the bloke" to look at it again, or take it somewhere more specialised.  At £132 a time, I don't want to write off another set of tyres.

[Kevin Wood]

What was the wear pattern on the tyres? Inside edges only or nice and even?

When the track rod end was changed was any attempt made to set up the geometry properly afterwards?

If it's wearing the tyres unevenly, I would say take it to get a decent geometry setup done. Why not stop off a wheels in motion on your way up to the lakes and get it done properly?

[jereboam]

Inside edges - that's why I didn't notice!

I think "the bloke", Dave, said he'd "done the tracking", at some point, but as I said, I don't have full confidence in him - he works from home, so I doubt he's got all the equipment he needs to do that sort of job, but since I don't know what you need, I could well be wrong. 

I was definitely thinking about WiM on the way to the lakes, but unless there's a fully equipped shopping mall nearby, that suggestion is likely to go down like a lead balloon with Mrs. J.

[Kevin Wood]

Inside edge wear is down to excessive camber normally. I'd say it'd be worth getting it properly set up. Not sure what shopping facilities there are in Chesham, though.

[Osprey]

Perhaps you should inquire if your good lady would prefer another £132 each side by the time you get back from the Lakes - and still need to go to WIM after that?

 

[albitz]

Doing the tracking on Omegas is a waste of time unfortunately.
They need 4 wheel alignment, which is best done it WIM, or one of their franchises.There may well be one near you, if you check on their website.

[jereboam]

Checked the website - Braintree or Brentwood - both an hour away.  And Chesham is out - it means using the M25, and that's where I had my accident last year when we set out on holiday, and I'm not going through that trauma again.  I'm not actually afraid of the M25 - I was on it on Sunday, and that's where I noticed the pull to the left.  (Both ways - no jokes about going round anticlockwise, please.)  It's just that I'm a bit superstitious about these things, and I'm not going to tempt fate.

Any point in trying the local Vauxhall dealer?  Or somewhere like Kwikfit?

[Jimbob]

If your going Manchester way....Use Nigel Langs in Bolton 

[Varche]

Wishbone bush gone perhaps?

How long since the front wishbones were replaced?

[tony2]

2nd NIGEL LANGS done mine mig has ran true ever since no pulling whats so ever done about 3months ago booked through wim £110

[Andy B]

....
Any point in trying the local Vauxhall dealer?  Or somewhere like Kwikfit?

No!  No point at all. 

[Clock]

I had mine done at Nigel Langs last month. If you telephone and mention OOF it will cost you £90.00. It's only a 5 minute walk into Bolton town centre

[feeutfo]

....
Any point in trying the local Vauxhall dealer?  Or somewhere like Kwikfit?

No!  No point at all. 

None what so ever. Not even slightly!

[feeutfo]

Checked the website - Braintree or Brentwood - both an hour away.  And Chesham is out - it means using the M25, and that's where I had my accident last year when we set out on holiday, and I'm not going through that trauma again.  I'm not actually afraid of the M25 - I was on it on Sunday, and that's where I noticed the pull to the left.  (Both ways - no jokes about going round anticlockwise, please.)  It's just that I'm a bit superstitious about these things, and I'm not going to tempt fate.

Any point in trying the local Vauxhall dealer?  Or somewhere like Kwikfit?

Check the faq's and handling guides. But usual advice is check for faults(usualls like wishbone bushes, busted springs, worn put shocks, track rod ends, steering idler, rear donut bushes etc) on the whole car.... Fix the faults. Set up. Then fit new tyres.

Appreciate that's awkward given your situation but that's what needs doing to get the best from the car, both in driving and economic terms.

Wim are unique in that they have better than factory settings to dial in. Although Suffolk to Nottingham looks further than Chasham, you may find it an easier trip....?  :-/  If only I could remember the name of Marks (DTM) recommended set up place.

Be aware, to re emphasize the point, that most geometric set up companies merely have a book of factory settings, which for the Omega are worse than useless as even these are so wide a tolerance they can still wear tyres excessively. you need a company that goes the extra mile when setting up the omega.

[cem_devecioglu]

did you checked their pressures ?