Dumb Question on wheel alignment

Han So1o · 01-11-2010, 10:06 PM

I know the term is "wheel" alignment, but do they base this off the wheel, tire, or wheel off?

If they do this with the wheel on, will I need a new alignment when I put my summer rims/tires back on? Or will the alignment be fine for for whatever rims I use.

Summer: Stock M sport rims
Winter: 17 x 7.5 with 225/50's

Many thanks in advance.

SlickShift · 01-11-2010, 10:11 PM

The actual "wheel/tire" isn't what's being aligned; it's the suspension. Changing tire will have no effect on the alignment. If you're getting a vibration from having different wheels on, the wheels probably need to be balanced.

Victory Road · 01-12-2010, 11:34 AM

^^^correct

you are aligning the suspension, the easiest way to do this is with the wheels on the car. However, really all you are aligning is the hub mounting surface, so no matter which wheel you put on, all of the angles will remain unchanged.

Alignments are only recommended/required when changing suspension components and/or lowering the car. And of course if you notice any pull in the steering or uneven/fast tire wear.

VMRWheels · 01-12-2010, 03:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by frank@WSTO

Alignments are only recommended/required when changing suspension components and/or lowering the car. And of course if you notice any pull in the steering or uneven/fast tire wear.

Ditto! If you changed your tires for the reason of uneven wear, then you should do an alignment after you get your new tires on asap.

-Charles@VMRWheels

Han So1o · 01-12-2010, 10:42 PM

thanks for the help. I wasn't sure if it was based on the rim since I've looked it up on the net and I've seen pictures of the machine on the wheels itself. I guess it's taking measurements.

I would say it's tire balance issue, but about a month before I put my winter rims on, I hit a pothole. they repaired the rim, but I think I noticed a very very slight bumpy feeling while driving still. I didn't have time to bring the car back and have it checked out. It was snowing and I didn't want to get caught out there with summers on. So I changed to the winter setup. I'm going to get the balancing checked out. I really hope it's just that as I don't feel like paying for an alignment. In addition, I've put on about 1,000 miles. So hopefully I can/can't see any uneven wear for troubleshooting purposes.

Thanks for the help.

01-11-2010, 10:06 PM	#1
Han So1o Private 10 Rep 82 Posts Drives: 13 335i AW, M Sport with 19's Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: CT iTrader: (0)	Dumb Question on wheel alignment I know the term is "wheel" alignment, but do they base this off the wheel, tire, or wheel off? If they do this with the wheel on, will I need a new alignment when I put my summer rims/tires back on? Or will the alignment be fine for for whatever rims I use. Summer: Stock M sport rims Winter: 17 x 7.5 with 225/50's Many thanks in advance.
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01-11-2010, 10:11 PM	#2
SlickShift Lieutenant Colonel 323 Rep 1,804 Posts Drives: '11 BMW E90 M3 ZCP, '21 X5 ZMP Join Date: May 2007 Location: Atlanta iTrader: (7)	The actual "wheel/tire" isn't what's being aligned; it's the suspension. Changing tire will have no effect on the alignment. If you're getting a vibration from having different wheels on, the wheels probably need to be balanced. __________________ -Nick 2018 BMW 440i - M Sport, Exec Glacier Silver Metallic/Coral Red Dakota Retired: '00 323i, '06 325Ci, '09 135i, '06 Z4M Roadster, '93 525i, '76 2002, '14 X1, '14 M235i, '16 X4, '16 435i
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01-12-2010, 11:34 AM	#3
Victory Road Major 114 Rep 1,323 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Chicago, IL iTrader: (6)	^^^correct you are aligning the suspension, the easiest way to do this is with the wheels on the car. However, really all you are aligning is the hub mounting surface, so no matter which wheel you put on, all of the angles will remain unchanged. Alignments are only recommended/required when changing suspension components and/or lowering the car. And of course if you notice any pull in the steering or uneven/fast tire wear.
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01-12-2010, 10:42 PM	#5
Han So1o Private 10 Rep 82 Posts Drives: 13 335i AW, M Sport with 19's Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: CT iTrader: (0)	thanks for the help. I wasn't sure if it was based on the rim since I've looked it up on the net and I've seen pictures of the machine on the wheels itself. I guess it's taking measurements. I would say it's tire balance issue, but about a month before I put my winter rims on, I hit a pothole. they repaired the rim, but I think I noticed a very very slight bumpy feeling while driving still. I didn't have time to bring the car back and have it checked out. It was snowing and I didn't want to get caught out there with summers on. So I changed to the winter setup. I'm going to get the balancing checked out. I really hope it's just that as I don't feel like paying for an alignment. In addition, I've put on about 1,000 miles. So hopefully I can/can't see any uneven wear for troubleshooting purposes. Thanks for the help.
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