On centering or locking the steering wheel as part of wheel alignment procedure ...
Youtube at 12.03 .....

This post has been edited by zeng: Jan 19 2021, 11:22 PM

The reason why my wheel bearings does not present with the usual grinding/humming noise is because the bearings only started to become bad. I detected it too early. When the mechanic took the bearings out, they were mostly intact, only the grease has totally gone and dried out.

Here I diagnose the bearing problem: Jack up the front wheel(s). For regular auto transmission can jack only one side no problem, for CVT cannot. Not sure for manual. So preferably both front wheels. For 4WD probably need to jack all wheels.

Start the engine, put the car into drive with both front wheel above the ground. Then visually inspect the wheels. Look for abnormal rotation or something. For my car, the wheel can be seen clearly have some side to side movement which causes the clinking noise. And then finally, grab the springs on your suspension. If your bearings is bad, you can feel rough vibration traveling through the springs. It is unmistakable. It feels like rolling a piece of metal on fine sand.

Make sure to hit the brakes first or put the car into N and let the wheels stop before turning off the engine. Don't be like me who immediately shift to P when the wheels are moving.

Another thing I learn is that you can never really tell from which side the abnormal noise is coming from. Don't rely on cabin noise when driving because noise is vibration and vibration travels throughout the body of car.

This post has been edited by Steponlego: Jan 19 2021, 11:41 PM

Not trying to be argumentative here , I beg to differ that the front wheel bearing sets on both sides were bad (as in bold above) and it causes the steering wheel pointing right previously . But heck you were driving the car , who knows you could be right .

I would speculate the steering wheel pointing right problem was resolved not by the supposed bearings replacement on both sides per se , but mainly by the latest and last wheel alignment job in 'correcting' the front camber and toe angles . It could have been solely resolved by the optional/additional Rear wheel alignment , if such option was carried out in your case in point .

Just as my current steering wheel pointing right problem could not be resolved by replacement of parts (such as bearings, brakes,steering column etc) but by another more thorough/comprehensive redo on front wheel alignment ,IMO .

Note:I suppose your Persona rear wheels are adjustable , IDK .

This post has been edited by zeng: Jan 20 2021, 01:08 PM

I believe the rear alignment has always been okay after first alignment job. The tire shop guy would never let go an opportunity to charge me extra. First alignment job he charge RM50 for front and rear, subsequent alignment after that he charge RM30 for front only. I used to think that his alignment job was crappy, until I go to other alignment shop.

The latest and last alignment job after front bearing replacement the guy did front angle camber adjustment.

But yeah, I only suspect it was a bad bearing because that's the last thing I can replace on my front end - now everything on my front suspension is brand new. Figured that the wobbly wheels from bad bearings might cause the steering wheel not centered when driving, but the angle measurement on the alignment machine all within spec.

Bro should i change the wheel bearing hub too?

Front and Rear alignment charges at RM50 , and sort of fully resolve your issue ...... ? That's a very good price to pay . Do you mind sharing the location of the alignment shop ?

I too paid RM30 for Front Camber and Toe angles adjustment , but this is outside Klang Valley where I happen to pass by visiting relatives .

This post has been edited by zeng: Jan 20 2021, 07:01 PM

Not sure man. This is my first experience having the car fixed at the mechanic until it really fixed. I think just the bearing without the hub is the norm on the front side.

Close to Rm2k actually. I literally had all front suspension parts replaced over the span of 3 months. The right bearings was the last thing I replaced. Left bearings 2nd last. Only noticed right bearings also bad when noise issue and alignment still persists. I throw parts at the problem until it fixed.

https://goo.gl/maps/wKtRsFEev6yyV9yh6

just an inconspicuous kampung tire shop. the boss there is very thorough with his job. tried 3 other shop before this, he's the only shop that make sure the tire pressure is right before doing anything. do ask him to check for steering wheel centered or not, last time he charged me extra RM10 for adjusting the steering wheels after steering rack replacement.

My alignment shop is done it manually and not using machine. After done, they test it properly. Sometimes it went until 3-5th time on testing until the mechanics satisfied.

Price on slightly at high side. Most went there are conti car. Opposite Jusco Balakong, besides highway. Silverstone signboard, Ah Man Tyre Centre (ML) Sdn Bhd

Thank you very much, Sir for the location map .

Having done the repeat alignment job but the pulling left problem remains not fully resolved though its severity has lessened or improved , and it came out with a 'new' found problem of steering wheel pointing Right now whilst driving straight ahead (which was pointing straight before current repeat job) .........
as typical of most alignment works , I'm quite disappointed with the current alignment shop .

However I will continue monitoring to see if my current 'problems' persists and continues on ( short of swapping tyres between Left and Right ) , meanwhile I am shopping around for a good and reliable wheel alignment shop should the need arises .

Your link above will surely be one of my considerations in times to come .

Btw, I spent RM1750 on suspension parts replacement about a month ago just before and prior to the wheel alignment job in question .

This post has been edited by zeng: Jan 21 2021, 02:44 PM

Dats why I chose to let the expert (wheel alignment guy) work his mojo on my cars. I mean he is supposed to be doing this job >9hours a day and 6days a week, and he would have figured out things we don't.

I only need to drive my car to my wheel alignment guy, sit there and chat with him while he works on my car, pay and then bid adieu. I have always treat the process as a friend meetup since more than 15yrs ago.

Not sure if you can travel to his place during this MCO period as there maybe roadblocks along the way.

Really envious of your long time pleasant experience with real competent alignment guys ..... which ,unfortunately I don't have one for decades not years .

No, I won't be visiting this place intro'ed by @Steponlego yet under current MCO as I'm assessing current predicaments/frustration and see how it goes .

This time round I wish to attempt seeking out the service of one or several socalled alignment 'experts' hoping that my long time unfavourable 'misconceptions' (or otherwise ?) against the wheel alignment industry are drastically altered ..... for good .

This post has been edited by zeng: Jan 22 2021, 09:07 AM