[edb5020]

Hey guys, I was wondering if my alignment could be off even if the car stays straight and does not drift in either direction. I can really tell if there is any "uneven" wear on the tires. But the reason I am asking this question is because lately my steering does not feel as tight or responsive. I have a 328xi with 17" wheels with Bridgestone RFT. There is only 3000 miles on the car but I swear the steering feels different than it used to be. I know I should probably take it to my dealer, but I do not believe they like me very much because they actually had to trade assist my last BMW, and I am reluctant to take it unless I KNOW for sure there is something wrong. Thanks in advance for all responses, I greatly appreciate them.

[Lassaxi]

Originally Posted by edb5020

Hey guys, I was wondering if my alignment could be off even if the car stays straight and does not drift in either direction. I can really tell if there is any "uneven" wear on the tires. But the reason I am asking this question is because lately my steering does not feel as tight or responsive. I have a 328xi with 17" wheels with Bridgestone RFT. There is only 3000 miles on the car but I swear the steering feels different than it used to be. I know I should probably take it to my dealer, but I do not believe they like me very much because they actually had to trade assist my last BMW, and I am reluctant to take it unless I KNOW for sure there is something wrong. Thanks in advance for all responses, I greatly appreciate them.

Sure, it's possible that the alignment could be off even if the car doesn't pull to one side or the other. A toe-in problem could cause this, for instance. But you won't know for sure if there's something wrong unless you put it up on a rack, which means going to the dealer (or an independent alignment shop).

[noro]

Start of with easy stuff, check the tire pressure, if too low it will take the crispness away. In fact I run mine at 35 all around which above the recommended range. Then raise the front and check that both wheels/tires are straight by spinning. I doubt your camber/caster is off because those don't have much wiggle room, but as ^ he said the toe could cause this. If the wheel stays straight on even roads though I would be very surprised that it's your toe since the chances of both tie rods changing to modify the toe while keeping the wheel in the original position are pretty low.

[tintivilus]

Agree with above -- check your tire pressure. Sounds like your fronts might be low.

[Lassaxi]

Originally Posted by noro

If the wheel stays straight on even roads though I would be very surprised that it's your toe since the chances of both tie rods changing to modify the toe while keeping the wheel in the original position are pretty low.

This is a good point. It's pretty rare for toe to be screwed up without causing pull because even after hitting a hard bump or pot hole, the chances that the toe would change evenly enough not to cause pull are pretty low. And, the chances of camber not being affected are also pretty slim. But it is at least theoretically possible. As everyone else said, check tire pressures first.

[Heat00]

funny, after 27k, I've just replaced the rear tires and I was looking at the fronts today and they have some tread left, to my surprise.. however front right is bald on the outer edge...
I'm guessing that is from alignment or toe or something right??
should I have caught this earlier? how do you detect if it feels right on... wait till you see uneven wear? isn't it too late then?