2000 4runner alignment issue...Help!

[rotorhead6]

I had an alignment done a few days ago on my 2000 4runner that was slightly pulling to the right when I would let go of the steering wheel. The guy said that he had a hard time with the alignment but was able to get it done. When I got it back there was little if no improvement. I took it back the next day (for additional work) and let him know about the alignment issue again. He stated that he worked on it for 2 hours and got it pretty good but not perfect. Again, I notice very little difference. I'm anal and want the thing the way it should be especially since I just put new tires on it. He said that it is pretty much "adjusted out" all the way. Whatever that means.

Is there such a thing as not getting the alignment perfect or is there another issue going on that is undiscovered. Ball joints and arms are in good shape. New shocks and struts yesterday also. Should I take it back to him and tell him I want it perfect or take it to a dealer? Thanks in advance.

 

[blk runner00]

i worked at a gm dealer but all have the same theroy behind it. but there sould be no reason that they cant fix that if they adjusted the toe of the truck, that is what controls the way the truck pulls when u let go of the wheel. if it is pulling towards the right over a long area of road it could be related to the crown in the road for pitch when it rains. i would ask if he would be willing to redo it or put it back on the alignment rack to check it. there should be plenty of room on the tie rod to have proper adjustment. if not start checking for things that are possible bent.
? did you buy the runner new and/or do you run off road and do some rock crawling

just thought of this. is it lifed/big tires

 

[kwajsharkbait]

When I had my alignment done it took a long time too. They figured out it was one front wheel was set back farther than the other one. They should be able to figure it out.

Here is a link that might help.

http://www.familycar.com/alignment.htm

 

[shawnstcyr]

I have 2 things to note here. When I do an alignment, I add .5 degree caster to the passenger front tire. This compensates for the crown in the road. This will usually let me drive the car in the right lane "hands free". However, sometimes when you go to the left lane it may pull ever so slightly.

Point 2: I have experienced a thing called "radial pull." This results from a tire ( new and used) having a slightly larger diameter than it's opposite tire. This can usually be determined by swapping the front tires left to right. If the pull stops or goes the other direction, this is your problem. Also , if he did not check for proper tire inflation before the alignment, it may pull. Good luck.