I bought a (Fiat Ducato based) Vista 2 camper and I wanted the vehicle’s wheel alignment checked prior to undertaking a long-distance trip to the Kruger National Park (KNP) last year. The task was entrusted to Riaan’s Wheel Alignment centre in Somerset West where the toe-in was “reset” with the odo of the camper reading
24 177 km. This year I took the vehicle to the same centre again prior to our annual KNP trip and was told that my right front tyre was worn on the outside and the toe-in was again adjusted (at 30 618 km). On my return from the KNP (37 222 km), I took the vehicle to the same centre and was told that the right front tyre (a different tyre, because the tyres were swapped at the previous visit to the centre) was worn on the outside again. This time I was told that the vehicle’s camber was out and it can only be adjusted by bending the suspension (shock absorber) at my own risk and cost. After taking the vehicle for a second opinion at another wheel-alignment centre I was told the toe was incorrectly set and should be zero according to factory specification and the camber should not be adjusted! Who should one trust and how often must wheel alignment be checked?
DR NH LOUW
Somerset West
Answer: Most sources suggest that wheel-alignment should be checked at 10 000 km intervals. We are of the opinion that if the tyre wear of a vehicle is normal and continuously monitored, then wheel alignment is not necessary. Obviously if the vehicle was involved in an accident or it hit a kerb for example, then it would be a good idea to check alignment. It is important to choose a respected wheel-alignment centre with calibrated equipment and access to all the factory specifications to avoid maladjustments on your vehicle.
