Alignment???

[braggorkney]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(IsrAmeriPrius @ Aug 28 2007, 05:49 PM) [snapback]503445[/snapback]</div>

Courtesy of galaxee.

To properly align a Prius requires a scan tool to to reset the zero point calibration. The traction control uses this calibration to determine how far the steering wheel is turned. If the zero point calibration is off, the car can be going straight forward but the traction control may think that it is turning. If that were the case you would not be able to accelerate. It is important that the zero point calibration be correct.

Somehow I doubt that Firestone or equivalents technicians will know how to do the job right.
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Wouldn't the Firestones & others have to do the same on other, non-prius vehicles with traction control? Guess the key is to ask the techs to be sure.

[NoMoShocks]

Dealers are not required to check the alignment as part of the delivery process, but if some guy driving if out of the Container or out of the container ship or whatever they do bumps something with the wheels, he sure isn't going to tell anyone. Plus, the strap them down for shiping in container, on railroad cars and auto transports. One time the brakes failed on a brand new vehicle I had purchased and the dealer said the brake line was cut by being stapped down on a railroad car.

I asked my selling dealer about an alignment, and they said they didn't have an alignment shop, and if they needed to align a Prius, they would take it to the Les Schwab down the street.

If your car is pulling, Toyota will align it for free, but there are alignment problems that can wear out your tires without noticable handling problems. You may be able to find a dealer that will align it on Toyota's dime just because you say it is pulling.

Probably a better option is to find a reputable tire shop. Some will check alignments for free and only charge you if it is out of alignment in order to gain your future business. Believe it or not, I have taken a car to Les Schwab in the Nothwest and asked them to check the alignment. They gave me a printout of the readings that were in spec, said they were OK and didn't charge a dime. I think Wheel Works in South and Central West will do this too.

[subarutoo]

I've had no alignment issues since new in Jan. 06. 41,000 on original Goodyears, with lots of tire left. Runs straight, no pulling. BTW, I've never had my wife's Outback aligned either, '96 with 118,000 miles on second set of Micheleins, no unusual wear either. Just lucky I guess.

[Michgal007]

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