Alignment weirdness

[dbgnallRWD]

SoI just got back from getting an alignment and I noticed the front wheels are not parallel. The passengers side seems to pint straight but the drivers side points outward - enough that I can see it visuals (I dont know f its coming through on the photo). I got under the car and noticed that the outer tie rod is in a new position. Usually the lower part if the outer connection is "pointing" at the ground but now is moved like 45 degrees.

I assume this alignment was botched but I am not sure completely sure how because I am pretty clueless about how alignments work. Can anyone more knowledgable about alignments tell what's wrong? I am going to take the car back in to the shop this week and would like to be armed with more knowledge/insights.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

Not quite sure what you mean by the tie rod part of your statement...

But based on your picture it's a little hard to tell if the tires are toed-out or not. An easy way to visually check though is to set the steering wheel centered on flat ground and then just run a string from the back tires to the edge of the front tires; the string should theoretically touch the sidewalls on all four points of the tires (or be very close to touching). You can also do the same thing without a string and lay in front of the vehicle and see if the tires visually line up.

Does the vehicle not drive straight and do you have a copy of the print out from the alignment?

 

[fatherohenry]

...Usually the lower part if the outer connection is "pointing" at the ground but now is moved like 45 degrees.

I'm no expert but it sure looks different than mine. Like the caster is off. I assume this is what you meant by "pointing at the ground", where the tie rod connects to the wheel/hub/knuckle (told you I'm no expert!).

 

[Bad Luck]

Looks like the tie rod end is just rotated. Grab it with your hand and twist it until centered. With the tires pointed straight and steering wheel centered, get a friend/helper to measure from the center tread of one tire to the other front tire on both the front and rear side of the front tires. Those two measurements should be very close if your toe is good.

 

[dbgnallRWD]

I'm no expert but it sure looks different than mine. Like the caster is off. I assume this is what you meant by "pointing at the ground", where the tie rod connects to the wheel/hub/knuckle (told you I'm no expert!).

Yes this is exactly what I was trying to describe. Mine was like yours when I took it in for the alignment and came out with a twisted tie rod.

 

[phattyduck]

The outer tie rod and inner tie rod can rotate freely (within a limited range...). That's not what's causing any issues.

Did the alignment shop give you a printout of the actual specs, before and after?

-Charlie