Taking the new Prius in for the obligatory alignment check

GoEco · 06-06-2007, 02:42 AM

We took delivery late on a Saturday so we were unable to get the alignment checked. I've got an appt. for this Friday, anything else while I'm there?

TIA

McShemp · 06-06-2007, 02:30 PM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(GoEco @ Jun 6 2007, 01:42 AM) [snapback]456368[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

We took delivery late on a Saturday so we were unable to get the alignment checked. I've got an appt. for this Friday, anything else while I'm there?

TIA
[/b]

Having the car for only a few days, my first question is why?

Rae Vynn · 06-06-2007, 02:39 PM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(GoEco @ Jun 5 2007, 11:42 PM) [snapback]456368[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

We took delivery late on a Saturday so we were unable to get the alignment checked. I've got an appt. for this Friday, anything else while I'm there?

TIA
[/b]

Well, while you are tweaking the car, make sure the tires are inflated correctly, either to Toyota specs OR to the specs used by a lot of the people on this forum (42/40)... personally, I'm running 40/38, because I like being a happy medium!

Also, check the oil dipstick to ensure that the oil is not much above Full... exact or just a hair under is perfect. Over is not.

subarutoo · 06-06-2007, 03:26 PM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(McShemp @ Jun 6 2007, 11:30 AM) [snapback]456671[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

Having the car for only a few days, my first question is why?
[/b]

Yeah, why? I have 35,000 on the stock tires, no alignment issues. The car tracks fine, and tire wear is entirely uniform and about 1/2 gone in 35K. What makes you think the alignment is off?

eberrong · 06-06-2007, 03:45 PM

My new prius needs alignment also. It has been this way since day 1. I sort of noticed it pulling to the right on the test drive, but we were on uneven pavement sloping to the right so I just dismissed it. After 622 miles, I am now positive that it needs alignment. It always pulls to the right very slightly. Also the steering wheel is not lined up perfect when driving straight. I was planning to get it checked at my first oil change+tire rotation at 5000 miles. Somewhat frustrating because my 1999 honda civic never needed an alignment in 8 years. Same thing with my 2004 honda cr-v. I have read about other new prius owners with the same problem. I am hoping it is easily fixed.

GoEco · 06-06-2007, 04:26 PM

The why is due to all the threads on it being squirrely in high winds and a possible cause misalignment at delivery. We live in a very High Wind Area (though none so far in the last week, thank goodness!) So I figured, "Why Not?"

Thanks, I'll have them check the tires & oil (unless we get to it first), too. Is there a chance they'd have overfilled the oil?

likesmpg · 06-06-2007, 04:33 PM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(GoEco @ Jun 6 2007, 01:26 PM) [snapback]456785[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

Thanks, I'll have them check the tires & oil (unless we get to it first), too. Is there a chance they'd have overfilled the oil?
[/b]

Yes, mine was overfilled. Still not sure what I'll do about it... drain a little out or wait until my first oil change.

alanh · 06-06-2007, 04:38 PM

My wheel is a little to the right when driving straight, so I'm going to have it checked (I picked it up Saturday). This is on flat streets at slow speed.

galaxee · 06-06-2007, 06:12 PM

the shipping tiedowns can mess up the alignment, and sticking it on the alignment rack isn't part of the pre-delivery prep process. now as far as this being a prius or toyota only issue.... uh, no. all cars are susceptible to having their alignment screwed up.

eberrong · 06-07-2007, 02:26 PM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(galaxee @ Jun 6 2007, 06:12 PM) [snapback]456886[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

the shipping tiedowns can mess up the alignment, and sticking it on the alignment rack isn't part of the pre-delivery prep process. now as far as this being a prius or toyota only issue.... uh, no. all cars are susceptible to having their alignment screwed up.
[/b]

Just stating my experience with Honda (which is what I now expect from Toyota). Neither of my Hondas had to be serviced during their 3yr/36k warranty period for any reason (except scheduled maintenance).

I understand that putting it on the alignment rack may not be a dealer prep requirement, but isn't test driving it a requirement? This is an obvious problem that an experienced tech would be able to spot in 30 seconds.

Sorry to vent…just a little frustrated. Appreciate the info about the shipping tiedowns.

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06-06-2007, 02:42 AM	#1
GoEco Red Prii Rule Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 94 My Car: 2007 Prius Model: Package: #6 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	We took delivery late on a Saturday so we were unable to get the alignment checked. I've got an appt. for this Friday, anything else while I'm there? TIA

06-06-2007, 03:45 PM	#5
eberrong Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 30 My Car: Model: Package: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	My new prius needs alignment also. It has been this way since day 1. I sort of noticed it pulling to the right on the test drive, but we were on uneven pavement sloping to the right so I just dismissed it. After 622 miles, I am now positive that it needs alignment. It always pulls to the right very slightly. Also the steering wheel is not lined up perfect when driving straight. I was planning to get it checked at my first oil change+tire rotation at 5000 miles. Somewhat frustrating because my 1999 honda civic never needed an alignment in 8 years. Same thing with my 2004 honda cr-v. I have read about other new prius owners with the same problem. I am hoping it is easily fixed.

06-06-2007, 04:26 PM	#6
GoEco Red Prii Rule Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 94 My Car: 2007 Prius Model: Package: #6 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	The why is due to all the threads on it being squirrely in high winds and a possible cause misalignment at delivery. We live in a very High Wind Area (though none so far in the last week, thank goodness!) So I figured, "Why Not?" Thanks, I'll have them check the tires & oil (unless we get to it first), too. Is there a chance they'd have overfilled the oil?

06-06-2007, 04:38 PM	#8
alanh Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 1,043 My Car: 2007 Prius Model: Package: #5 Thanks: 49 Thanked 49 Times in 34 Posts Friends: 0	My wheel is a little to the right when driving straight, so I'm going to have it checked (I picked it up Saturday). This is on flat streets at slow speed.

06-06-2007, 06:12 PM	#9
galaxee resident lab rat Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: boilermaker territory Posts: 9,675 My Car: 2005 Prius Model: N/A Package: #5 Thanks: 0 Thanked 94 Times in 37 Posts Friends: 26	the shipping tiedowns can mess up the alignment, and sticking it on the alignment rack isn't part of the pre-delivery prep process. now as far as this being a prius or toyota only issue.... uh, no. all cars are susceptible to having their alignment screwed up.