Just wondering if there is a way to be sure a purchased front end alignment was actually performed.

The front tires of my 2000 ford Ranger were wearing on the inside edges. So much that the steel belts were showing, and the outside edge still looked (almost) new

I bought 4 new tires, and opted for the alignment. After picking up the truck, I noticed the steering wheel was still off center a bit, just as it was before the alignment. Wouldn't a front end alignment correct this?

did you get the print out of the work from the alignment,they normaly give you a print out of the settings as they where before and after

The only way to be sure it was aligned correctly would be to have a different reputable shop check it.

did you get the print out of the work from the alignment,they normaly give you a print out of the settings as they where before and after

:yes:
If you didn't receive one, and it's a recent job, go back and ask for a printout. Most alignment machines can save the results if the mechanic chose to do so.
Or...
If the steering wheel isn't straight make them do the job over. It's part of the alignment process.

Steering wheel should be straight......I'd question the fact that if they cant even get the steering wheel straight why should you believe they did the alignment correct.

did you get the print out of the work from the alignment,they normaly give you a print out of the settings as they where before and after
You don't get a printout at my shop-none of my alignment equipment is computerized. Maybe that's why my customers are happy with my work.:thumbsup:
BTW, many mechanics don't drive the vehicles before or after the alignment, so there's a good chance the steering wheel will be off-center.
BillL

Also have the truck checked for proper ride height, and specs for what weight, including gasoline, should be in the truck during the alignment. That sometimes is critical. If you ride height is off it could have sagging springs or other components that will effect the alignment..

Your alignment can be good, and still have a crooked steering wheel. The mechanic just didnt take the time to do it right. Alot of shops just do a "toe and go", and dont even change the camber unless it is severe.

Steering wheel should be centered first thing then adjustments made from there. Trouble is a lot of shops don't take the time to do this. Doesn't mean it's not rite, just annoying for the customer.I'd take it back.

This isnt as big of a deal as it may sound. I would still go back and tell them the steering wheel is off center and to correct it. Centering the steering wheel isnt a big deal, but most good shops should hook the machine back up and readjust it. The thing is, alignments include a device that is spring loaded and attaches between the seat and the steering wheel to lock it into place. If you dont make absolute sure when you align a vehicle that the wheel is exactly straight. The steering wheel ends up off center.

There are also some machines out there that have a program option within the software that allows the tech to adjust the wheel without actually locking it in place. That also works pretty well but you still have to hook up the sensors to each wheel for that too.

if the steering wheel is off, they didn't set the toe in correctly

I had an alignment done on our Grand Prix last summer. I checked afterwards and where the adjustments were made, there was evidence where parts were recently shifted and obvious wrench marks. No proof it was done right but I was reasonably sure they did something anyway.

Toe settings on a ranger are independent of centering the steering wheel. He could very easily correct the steering wheel being offcenter himself in about 5 mins but I would have the shop correct since it was recently done (and not done properly). Even with a printout, there are ways to make it look like adjustments were made that were not. If you have the printout, check the total toe reading for the front. This should be different from before and after, letting you know that the toe was indeed set.

Toe settings on a ranger are independent of centering the steering wheel.

:confused:
On every alignment I've ever done, after camber/caster adjustments are made, you center that steering wheel FIRST then take the toe readings and make necessary adjustments from that point.

On a ranger, the front end setup allows for one single adjustment for toe which changes total toe. You are correct that any camber/caster changes are to be made first, in this case by turning cam where the upper ball joint mounts. After that adjustment (which a lot of people either dont do or charge extra for) you adjust the right front tire to read the toe reading that is desired for that side(by just moving the tire until the machine reads correctly) and then use the toe adjuster to bring the left side into spec. Once completed, there is a adjuster on the drag link that is used to center the wheel. The trick is to get the wheel centered while keeping the front tires in the same position. The tech also needs to turn the wheel side to side before adjusting to make sure all components are in a neutral position. This will make sure the wheel is centerd when the alignment is completed

I use a tape measure, and my tires wear even. Lasers go straight, but if they are mounted on rims with runout, the errors start to stack up.

After working at Firestone, I'll say that the only way you know it's done "right" is to stand there and watch them do it.

IMO, the flat rate book doesn't give enough time to do it "right".

You can't trust the printout because I've watched techs print out the bad numbers, then go hang/lift the appropriate fender and have a friend print out the "good" results. Then they can show you how they "fixed" the problem.

Once you start doing messing with caster and camber, you start eating time in a hurry. And on cars with adjustable rear suspension, forget it. The Ford Taurus comes spot welded from the factory. If you have to do something like drilling out welds or rivets then you are working for free.

Not to mention any model/make/year specific tools the tech might not have.

That's why I align my own cars.

Is there a way for us to align our Chevelles at home?

On a ranger, the front end setup allows for one single adjustment for toe which changes total toe. You are correct that any camber/caster changes are to be made first, in this case by turning cam where the upper ball joint mounts. After that adjustment (which a lot of people either dont do or charge extra for) you adjust the right front tire to read the toe reading that is desired for that side(by just moving the tire until the machine reads correctly) and then use the toe adjuster to bring the left side into spec. Once completed, there is a adjuster on the drag link that is used to center the wheel. The trick is to get the wheel centered while keeping the front tires in the same position. The tech also needs to turn the wheel side to side before adjusting to make sure all components are in a neutral position. This will make sure the wheel is centerd when the alignment is completed
Newer ferd rangers have toe adjusters on both outer tie rods (similar to an Explorer)and the correct way to set toe and center the wheel is as BillsCamino described,your above description is correct for the earlier rangers made before the mid 90's.
You should go back to that shop and have them recheck the alignment and straighten your steering wheel.

Is there a way for us to align our Chevelles at home?

For toe:

I put marks on the tread about five inches high off the concrete floor, then check it with a tape. Roll the car back or forward, depending where you started, and check again, with the marks you made, at the same height. If you don't roll the car back and forth using the same marks to gage from, the runout in the tread will throw your measurement off. You check at the same height off the floor so that the camber is not a variable. Be sure to mark a reference line on your tie rod so you can count how far you rotate it in case you go too far.

ok..its been a while since I aligned a ranger, didn't realize that there was a change.