Alignment numbers - what do they mean?

[jake75]

I took my 2007 SWB T&C to the dealer for LOF today - I bought a service contract deal last year that gave me 4 - LOF's for less than $32 incl. tax so it's worth the 25 mile rt drive. They were offering a free alignment check. I told the guy o.k. but I was not having any problems and believe alignments often cause more issues than they solve so I would not likely be buying an alignment service. All was o.k except the left front toe was -.022 degrees and the right front tow +0.22 degrees. Total toe was 0.00. Something called "steer ahead" was listed as -0.22 degrees. [My logic is that the these toe numbers cancel out so there is no harm. The front wheels are tracking together perfectly.] Anyway, the service manager indicated that was not a serious problem and did not push to sell me an alignment.. I asked him if they ever checked the alignment on new cars that they sell. He said no. I'd bet thatthe majority of new cars sold have minor alignment issues but that is not part of the predelivery checklist. Anyone here that can enlighten me on the "toe" issues. [I have a good joke on that but I'll have to post it in adult humor .

[Sublimewind]

Alignment specs of american cars are set up for safety, notice how your wheel goes back to center when you let go and accelerate? Totally alignment.. It's funny, because PLENTY of cars CAN handle better, but the manufacture designed the spec for stability not handling... keep the car going straight when the "driver" can't... lol.. I can't say much about your specs i'm no expert, but I bet you could find out all you wanted on the Tire rack in the Tech area..