Do You Need an Alignment? -EricTheCarGuy

I had recently done a bunch of suspension work and put new tires on my Acura Vigor. Because of that, I decided to make this video about alignments. I get a lot of questions about when to align a vehicle, especially with my strut replacement videos. I hope this video address those questions.
Remember, vibrations aren't normally caused by issues with your alignment. If your vehicle pulls to one side, or you have issues with tire wear, then you likely have an alignment issue. Also remember there can be no play in the suspension when doing an alignment. So if you have loose suspension parts, address those before you do an alignment. If your vehicle has been in a collision, no matter how minor, you might want to have your alignment checked. Lastly, if you're getting new tires, get an alignment to go with them. It's your best investment, might as well protect it.
Thanks for watching!
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ETCG
Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. EricTheCarGuy assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. EricTheCarGuy recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not EricTheCarGuy.

[@psdaengr911]

That Acura was a sweet spot in Honda's design history.

[@MorganOliff]

Every alignment shop around owes you atleast $5 for the improved customers you just gave them. Thanks Eric!

[@OhighOSkater]

Not only do you put out good and informative content, but your fans are also helpful in the comment section. That's one thing I love about this channel. Helpful people that post useful information, you are appreciated

[@miami1393]

As always, concise, with enough detail and great explanations to show the importance of each condition/adjustment. Extremely well organized. Dang dude, mechanic shops could use this video to explain the need for alignments. They should be thanking you in bunches. Great job!

[@wyattandwill12]

I did the front end in my 98 Cherokee (hurts my pride not to say XJ so “Cherokee XJ”) minus ball joints and the steering wheel rests around 10.5 o’clock and my alignment appointment is coming up. I haven’t driven it way too much with it out of wack but fortunately the tires on it are bad anyways. My first two tires are arriving the day after my appointment. I’m excited to have her much closer to being ready.

[@rharris7426]

You are a credit to your industry Eric. I only wish that other people who look after vehicles were as knowledgeable and honest.

[@alexusanin1632]

What I like about Eric is that not only he is experienced, he doesn't try to screw you over. He takes pride of his work and often deviates from manufacturer recommended instruction while understanding what he does. Some mechanics who closely follow the manufacturer's instructions but don't understand why they do it are equally as likely to screw up your car as those who are just terrible mechanics to begin with.

[@donnad9910]

Thank you, Eric, for arming this ol' grandma with the information for my tire appointment in the morning. I know there's something wrong as my tires have worn terribly on the inside front of both and they only have 15,000 miles on them. The pair cost me at 500, so I thought I did a good buy for good tires. Back to the place I bought them in the morning so they can explain to me why they wore this way. I have your information tucked in my memory bank so I know what to ask and understand. I appreciate you taking the time to provide this great video!

[@yojgee]

Great job on explaining the whole thing in the simplest and clearest way possible that even the people who don't know anything about cars would understand.

[@lisaworleyable]

THANK YOU ERIC. ...THEEE MOST BY FAR BEST LESSON LEARNED!!! ...SINCE THE LOSS OF MY HUSBAND. ..UR SUCH A BLESSING !!! GOD BLESS YOU !!!

[@marcinn6312]

We had a guy in town, an oldtimer really, like 80 yo. He was the best one to go for an alignment. He would use a string/rope with a ballast and this oldschool wooden ruler to measure camber. Then he would measure toe with this sliding bar-like tool. If the job wasnt good.... it must have been you holding the steering wheel off center. Anyway, even if you did, he would fix it up again, free of charge. And the best part... he was dirt cheap. Being in central europe the prices are different, but he was like 10$. He was so awesome, he would look at a car and say like "I aint touching it, get new bushings/wishbones or I cant set it properly". Never had an alignment that good since he passed away, even with all these fancy laser tools nobody knows how to use... That grampa knew his stuff. And he used to curse a lot, like "who the hell effed your suspension like that" when you just got new tie rods or something at a different shop.... or.... "gdmn those bstrds who put this bolt here, and not there, to hell with engineers"... Used to comment a lot on cars too, like my Lancia Delta I used to have... "Uhmmm, Lancia... Thats an italian stuff, like Lamborghini(which he used to say lambor-J-ini, with a J)... Funny guy, I miss going to his shop for an alignment.

[@OhighOSkater]

I love old timers like that. Those are the kind of people I trust, rather than going to a shop. That's sad that he passed, but it sounds like he helped a lot of people in his day. Good on him

[@partyman6666]

He is a good candidate to test my new Zombie toxin on. We need people like this back in the world.

[@doublen7737]

Always best when It`s not just a job for the person.Usually It`s just a job with younger guys.

[@tlgtlg3803]

I THOUGHT YOU WERE GOING TO WRITE A BOOK ABOUT THIS OLD"TURD"!

[@coldblackice]

I love reading little life stories like this from people in KZbin comments. Never ceases to amaze me that these letters and words on an immobile, glowing screen in front of me can represent actual people out there in the world, people/places/occasions/happenings that I never would've known even existed before, let alone ever cross paths with, yet in just a couple short paragraphs, I get transported to that "world" and get to know some person/place/event, in this case, as if I was one of this guy's customers, myself. Very well told and written.

[@RennieAsh]

One thing about straight steering wheels and drifting - the road is generally designed to slope down to the outside for drainage, so you will be steering slightly towards the centre to keep the car straight. It will also slowly move to the outside if you let the steering wheel go, because it returns to centre but due to the slope in the road you will drift towards the outside. You then have to judge if it is within normal operation or not..

[@TookMe20min2findThis]

First time I write a comment on one of your videos (and watched many) but just wanted to say that they are always great with very interesting (and down to earth) information.And most importantly, you know your stuff! Thank you.

[@SuperBrainStorms]

The best car alignment video I’ve ever seen online. Your video (You) make KZbin look good . Thank you so very much for your time spent

[@frankburns8871]

Everybody needs an alignment. Chaotic good is my personal favorite. Ba-dum-bum. Very informative stuff, as usual, especially the explanation of caster.

[@faeruszorander]

This is a fantastic video, cleared up all the fuzziness i had in alignment terms and meanings! now i actually know what bad toe adjustments can cause! thanks eric, you the man!

[@stradplayer90]

Thank you for educating us on this.

[@biancaboobchamp1078]

Thanks Eric, your the most informative guy on KZbin. Top video

[@GreenShogun]

One of the best videos you have ever done, so informative. I learnt something today!

[@Rickyboy707]

Eric, that's a good tip regarding different caster adjustments. However, when we do alignments, we take into consideration the customer's driving habits, i.e. do they do more city or highway driving. A car driven mostly in the city will get a difference of between 1/2 to one degree between sides. We generally will keep the caster settings on a highway-driven vehicle the same for both sides. Our theory there is that the customer will be driving in different lanes on a highway, so keeping them equal works out. Also, a shout out to you for suggesting four wheel alignments. That's all we do, and sometimes they uncover worn parts in the rear of the vehicle that wouldn't be caught with a two wheel alignment.

[@ericthecarguy]

+Rickyboy707 Thanks very much for your input. I like your ideas of taking driving habits into consideration.

[@watchmanexpert]

@@ericthecarguy question I have lifted truck and The mechanic shop did the alignment last week the truck is fine don’t pull to rigor left and steering wheel is center , but my wheel is out I can see , the toe is out , maybe haft inch or more , the shops say is ok … that is normal ?

[@joeysmama8701]

thank you Eric. This is the most informative video I've ever seen about alignments. I learned alot. Good Job

[@DENicholsAutoBravado]

+Michael Smith Ditto!

[@stovepipe671]

get over it snow flake

[@manickambosco]

Another great video by Eric...Some mechanics opens and tightens bolts whereas others inspire.# much love for you and your channel...

[@labradormcgraw]

I thought I knew about wheel alignment, but I learnt so much from this. A fantastic tutorial on how things REALLY work. Thank you

[@anthonyjacksonjr4812]

Thanks Mr Eric. My wheel is now pulling to the right. I just got newly used tires. I'll get my alignment done soon.

[@skkfor]

As always, VERY well done and many thanks for taking the time to make the vid. Just the explanation I needed in order to determine where to start with my suspension issues. Thank you for educating me in order to save me from getting mislead, ripped off -or both!

[@biztechpro]

You are really helping us get the most out of our cars bro. Thanks for sharing

[@AFIFI112109]

Thanks again Eric! Very informative! I love your videos! You are talented really and I will say it anytime! Before I do any work on any of our vehicles, I always have to check your videos!! Very sharp information and important is what you say professionally!! Keep it UP and Stay Dirty!

[@javedfazil6686]

thank you. God bless you. keep it up. you are helping a lot of people all around the world

[@ronbattiston2468]

Thanks Eric. That is an excellent video and for the first time ever I now understand how alignments work! Well done!

[@rkardos4220]

Very useful information. I have come to the conclusion that the place I have been taking my car to would benefit from learning this as opposed to making excuses without answers.

[@iamoutofideas13]

This is the best video I've seen on getting an alignment. Thanks!

[@ryan6220]

Thumbs down? Some people hate puppies too. This guy does a great job. Think about doing such a video yourself & speaking as flawlessly as this guy. He did a good job.

[@striela1]

Thanks Eric for another high value, clear and complete video !!

[@drpeemac]

You have such an extensive knowledge sir. Good work

[@FamousByFamily]

thanks eric. i just got promoted to wheel aligner at my tyre shop, this helped refresh my memory from my trade certificate training.

[@onlyonefrancisxavier]

Thanks Erik for the alignment video. Very well done, throughly explained, awesome !! 😀

[@Nerd13010]

Tire pressures make a world of difference, when I bought my car it pulled to one side and I discovered that the right front tire was over inflated.

[@ShumaiAxeman]

This is a great vid man, thanks for putting the time in to get it up. Have to replace the Upper Control Arm on my 2011 Crown Vic P7B so going to have to get the alignment tweaked afterwards.

[@ianclewer3548]

Very interesting. You always learn something new watching these video's. Thank you.

[@bothfeetin]

Thanks for mentioning about getting an alignment after tires have been replaced which is a no brainer. A lot of people will get tires done somewhere else cheaper and log 200 miles before going to a shop that can do alignments. They are dumbfounded when the car still pulls after an alignment...not realizing that the recently new tires are improperly worn causing the pull. The tire wear would be so minute that you wouldn't know until you cross rotated the tires. Mix matched tire brands on the same axle can cause a pull as well.

[@vlad13king]

You EricTheCarGuy are THE BEST , thanks for such a great explanation

[@Recovering_Californian]

I had a mechanic, just recently, do a 4 wheel alignment and my car does indeed track straight down the road but my steering wheel is a little off to the left. My feeling is I should go to a different mechanic and have it redone.

[@mlee6050]

Up to you, some can be off a bit but it nice when it fixed, my foster dad has his slightly off but as he knows of it he adapts how he using the car so it not matter to him, personally I prefer if wheel is straight with wheels

[@mikedonovan1686]

Great video Eric, very educational. Keep up the good work man!

[@TechTimeWithEric]

Last summer I did a ton of work to my 87 S10. Did a full stainless steel bake line / hose kit, all new brake components, all 4 front control arms with ball joints, steering knuckles, steering box, everything in the front end; Pitman arm, idler arm, center drag, tie rods and sleeves, even installed a sway bar where there was none before, coil springs, and shocks on all 4 corners. Then I took it down to get an alignment and 4 new tires. The guy actually said that for having done all that work it wasn't too far out, but man it drives good now. My grandmom bought the truck brand new in August of 86, I've owned it since 02, yeah I dropped a lot of money into a 29 year old truck, but it's one that I know the history of.

[@mikeandrews6265]

if you need to add or sub shims 2.8 no problem 4.3 you better have long sleeve shirt and up to date first aid kit ready

[@johnpaulgarcia6906]

You answered all the questions on my mind about this topic

[@saultube44]

Thank you for the mechanics lesson, didn't know much of this. Saved on my Playlist 4WD/AWD

[@Dcs-Brasil]

This was a great explanation.

[@Romeosdad]

Great advice. A ton of help. Thanks! Really appreciate these videos.

[@DocSwig]

Thanks! I was in Jersey over holiday leave (Camden to be exact) and ran my Focus through pothole after pothole, terrible place to drive it was. Now I have a drift going to the right a lot so I know an alignment is necessary indeed.

[@edgardoconsul1150]

You made my day buddy, it's really helpful thanks!

[@seeeeeeek1]

Very informative and thorough vid!! Thanks for the great info!!

[@melodicdreamer72]

I should have known better since this is Eric TheCarGuy, but was totally expecting a relatively dumbed-down video from the title. Great explanation of the topic, as usual.

[@ajjones3323]

Very good video! Still going strong Eric

[@lovme2x]

excellent wheel alignment explanation video.

[@bobthebuilder6938]

why do ppl dislike this? i really want to know..if i can like eric's vids twice i would he is veeery knowledgeable and helped me learn a ton more on what i already know

[@OscarBritoR]

Dude, you are seriously cool and informative.

[@shababgul6484]

Thanks of Eric the car guy. Best video.

[@benjaminmayoresiii8296]

very much appreciated!very detailed and informative.keep it up bro!!!

[@InsideOfMyOwnMind]

You know a person has achieved a certain degree of success when the legal disclaimers come out to play. Congratulations Eric. Really. No sarcasm intended or implied

[@youtuberyoutuber5060]

Great video eric! Love your channel, keep it up! 👍🏼

[@susanmontgomery5418]

Thank you for this video this completely makes me realize I definitely need an alignment

[@sterlynali6679]

I just love your videos bro. thanks for sharing

[@Jeremy102579]

I've watched plenty of your videos .....Your a good guy Eric!Thanks and keep up the good work !

[@dominiquedespeville1483]

Excellent Video Quality. Very Clear & concised Explanation. +++

[@nickboland2243]

Thanks Eric! Super informative!

[@globalsttrekker3715]

Excellent explaination. Just what I would expect from a exp. pro.

[@sappyab90]

Excellent explanation. So easy to understand and great stuff to gain knowledge. I am having exactly this issue when my steering wheel is sitting right at the centre, my car is drifting towards left, and I have to constantly adjust the steering to keep the car in straight line. Its time for alignment.. :-)

[@AttilaTheHun333333]

Highly interesting. Thanks Eric!

[@akdomun]

Excellent! Very clear and informative!

[@markopecurica4463]

Everything Very detaily and good explained, thank you!

[@davidroddick5465]

Very informative. Great primer (and a lot that I did not really understand). Thanks.

[@DENicholsAutoBravado]

+David Roddick read up on it and watch it again then. I do alignments most days and I still learned from him, so some background may be helpful.

[@SwPiotrek]

Great video. Thanks Eric!

[@scflooring8658]

Great video Eric thank you keep them coming!!!

[@teddyyap1454]

Most comprehensive advice.

[@jigarpanchal4855]

wow! one hell of a informative video that was eric

[@tylerbabesh]

Thank you for mentioning the vibrations. Probably 8 of 10 people that come into my work that want a alignment other than the fact they bought new tires is a vibration. And the worst part about it is that the tech I work with and I both explain to the service writers religiously that alignments do not cause vibrations. I guess that's what happens when you work for such money hungry people sadly

[@ericthecarguy]

+tylerbabesh Check the comments. There's a ton of people insisting on the same. It's a very common misconception. Thanks for the comment.

[@jimthorne4186]

This is really informative. Thanks.

[@K0MRADru]

Really good information! Thank you!

[@publicmail2]

Very complete explanation!

[@sammacnab3514]

Great video as usual Eric Thanks !!

[@peterlegend]

Excellent video!

[@matthewbracewell8137]

love your video very informative keep up the good work

[@j90yjaved21]

Very informative video. Good Work.

[@excel8951]

Bless you sir... darn good information that I can actually understand

[@KZ3W]

Whew !! ,,, That was ALOT of good info . I needed 2 , #2 pencils ,,, a notebook ,,, and a lunch break in the middle before wrapping up this class . ha ha ... 😊 ,👍 , ✌️ .

[@leplagesonic9267]

Eric the car, Scotty Kilmer , and Chris fix can’t resist watching them show.

[@tyree9055]

Stay dirty!

[@comingundone27]

I do alignments for a living. You should never have someone in the car unless weight is supposed to be in the car. The machine takes into account someone sitting in the drivers seat. So if someone is sitting in a car that does not require added weight for the alignment, it will affect the new alignment. Other than this issue, you are pretty spot on for the rest of the video.

[@abyde]

Great video as always.

[@MattHsv11]

Nice video Eric I just got an alignment yesterday along with 2 new front tyres as they were both scrubbing because of too much toe out and driving the car for too long with the vehicle out of alignment.

[@beachwave2]

Great video Eric.

[@daisymouri2302]

My 86 Accord with Michelin Green Energy tires got 100,000 miles out of one set. That Honda rode perfectly forever. Sometimes a suspension problem can't be detected at the wheel. You'll find out when it's too late. If you're riding expensive tires, I'd be safe and get it checked. My shop doesn't charge full rate if no adjustment are required. I love good tires...can't explain.

[@SitDownx]

When your motive power professor puts this on in class to help explain alignments!! Haha your the man Eric

[@JamesJimmyHall]

You are 💯 AWESOME #ETCG1 !!!!!! Thank You for This Video about Alignments.... Extremely Important and OFTEN Overlooked....

[@Porsche996TT]

Had the exact offset angle, went to at tire shop and it's now perfect.

[@wolfcale49]

great video ericthecarguy

[@randabuffer6562]

Thank you sir!!!! I just raised some trouble at my dealership cause my car SLIGHTLY drifts to the right and after 3 ailments they said to take it to another shop for 2nd opinion lol I did not know how in depth a aliment was.

[@shadoww-px1wl]

Very useful infos!.., thanks dude for sharing 👍

[@philipryan3195]

cool cut man as always great mechanic video ta

[@greganagnostopoulos1958]

Great video Eric 👍🏻

[@andrewsix8671]

Hey ERic very helpful video. I have owned an 05' civic for about half year now and the steering pulls left pretty much and when i take left turns the steering wheel stays at 90 degrees left and won't self - center (or at least close to the center, there is a deadzone where there is no feedback at all within those 90 degrees left to center). While taking right turns it behaves normally like it should. The steering wheel also points a bit to the right when driving straight. I didn't take it for alignement because i assumed there is something broken. I have told my mechanic recently to check for something broken when he lifted it to change Co2 sensor, and he didn't find anything wrong at the control arms and the steering rack at the bottom. Also reason something must be broken or out of place is because it makes a bumping noise when i drive through holes and pumps and especially while braking through them. The noise is coming from the left front wheel (from driver's view). I also hear the tires at times screaming a bit, I believe that the angle is changing, and also the offset of the steering wheel in a straight line. What do you think are the possible reasons?