2018 RX 350 F-Sport AWD, 21,000 miles

Bottom line -- I was surprised recently to learn that my car had a wheel alignment problem. There have been no hard pothole hits, jumped curbs, or anything else that would explain it. Tire rotations have all been done as recommended. 3 wheels had alignment out of spec. The worst was the passenger side rear wheel which was out of toe-in spec by quite a bit.

Just throwing this out for everyone who assumes that new cars don't quickly go out of alignment .....

 

I just had an alignment on our 17. I started noticing the front wheels wearing unevenly so took care of that with a new set of shoes.

 

Can you tell us what the symptoms were? Tires wearing unevenly, vehicle pulling to one side, handling problems?

 

I had the 20,000 mile scheduled service in early November. A day or two later I was reviewing the paperwork while putting it away, and I was surprised to see on the inspection report that the item "Alignment" was marked YELLOW indicating "Attention Required". A further note showed that Alignment was a "customer declined" service item. (Whole 'nother issue about a dealer service complaint .... no one told me there was an alignment issue and I did NOT decline it ....).

Grismer is a reputable tire and chassis service chain where I live, so I called Grismer and scheduled the alignment, and just got it done this morning. They showed me a very informative "Before" and "After" graphic depiction showing where it was out of spec and by how much, before and after the adjustments were made.

I never felt anything in driving the car that would have indicated an alignment issue, so I wouldn't have suspected it.

 

Yes frequently there are no symptoms other than uneven tire wear.

 

I've been going to the same custom wheel and tire shop for twenty-seven years, so I've gotten to know the staff. The person who does all my wheel alignments is excellent. He always warns me to bring in my new vehicles after about a year or 10,000 miles as he says the suspension settles thereby changing the alignment, especially for independent rear suspension setups. Also, as time goes on, alignment specifications for alignment machines change and is updated as data is gathered on tire and suspension wear, meaning the original manufacturer alignment specs can also change.

 

Just buy a multi-year wheel alignment program from NTB or Discount Tires. Then have the wheels rotated, balance, and aligned every six months. Much cheaper than the dealer.

 

If the tires are wearing evenly, the car isn’t pulling and tracks straight, there is no vibration, and the steering wheel is straight, why would you get an alignment?

 

I guess you would not and that is my way. Don't trouble trouble until trouble troubles you. On the other hand, when your tires begin wearing unevenly, it is already too late and some damage is done.

 

By the time you notice it, the tires have worn unevenly. Or a more expensive repair or replacement is needed. Given that a 5 year alignment, tire rotation, and balance is around $150, seems prudent to do so. In my case, every time the wheels are rotated, rebalance, and aligned, so minor tweak is needed in the balance and alignment.

 

Alingment every six months is total overkill unless you drive around Manhattan each and every day.

 

I think that a yearly check is prudent in view of the cost of tires these days.

 

I replace tires every 24 - 30 months regardless so not worth it for me.

 

Definitely not worth it for you, unless really out of whack.

 

My dealer installed alignment sensors at the entrance to the service bay, so they can check every vehicle as it comes in.
My alignment was slightly off at the first service, and it turned out to be a bent alignment pin. They repaired it under warranty.