Hi everyone. I am new to the forum and this is my first post. I have a 2002 Carrera 4, Cabriolet, tiptronic. Its my first porsche. 50K miles, new tires.

When I got it, it was pulling quite a bit to the right. I took it to an alignment shop (non porsche) and they did a 4 wheel alignment. It seem to be better, but not fixed. Over the next 3 weeks, it seemed to get worse. I took it back, and they agreed to check it again, and when they did everything was off again. Way off. SO, they aligned it again. This time, it was even better. I have all the alignment sheets if they need to be posted. However, after three weeks of driving again, its now worse than ever! The steering wheel has moved from say 6 and 3 to almost 1 and 7 over three weeks, and the right rear wheel is visually off camber. I have hit nothing.

I took it back again today. They aligned it again. It was way off. Something seems to be causing the alignment to change over time. Any ideas what the problem is? I have an appoinment with the Porsche Dealer Monday but I would like to get an idea of what could cause it to go out of alignment so fast and so bad. If I am leaving out any needed info please ask.

Thanks
Rob

 

i had an alignment at a shop that "specialized" in alignments. they forgot to tighten the suspension after the alignment. this caused the car to be loose when going fast.

i doubt it's your problem but i'd suspect there is either mechanical issue beyond alignment or human error with the shop you went to.

i don't recommend going to tire shops for alignment. they rush through cars and tend to be not certified mechanics. many tire shops employ the type of people that work at jiffy lube.

 

Definitely time to find another alignment shop!! A car that drives straight makes all the difference.

 

Find an alignment shop that knows how to work on the 996. This isn't a Toyota Camry...

 

Agreed, bring to another Alignment Shop for re-alignment, during the alignment have them inspect all the suspension components real good for worn bushings and such and if that's all good, bring the receipt back to the first shop and request a refund.

 

Timing problem. Time to get the car to a shop that knows its Porsche alignment.

No way the alignment should go off that quick.

However on the chance the shop is not at fault....

take the car to a large parking lot. At slow speed make a sharp u turn, full lock, either direction. Release the wheel and let it come back to center. Note where the wheel stops.

Repeat this several times, in both directions.

If the wheel doesn't come back to the same spot every time the steering rack is suspect.

Sincerely,

Macster.

 

If you live in So.Cal I only recommend TRE North Hollywood, Ca for my 911 needs. They do great work. Had my car aligned and it rides perfectly. My front tires were wearing out on the inside and they corrected my problems. Good luck..

 

Just for closure on this, I had it aligned at Porsche. The problem they found was the following.

1. New tires that PO put on are crap (Nitto) and are slightly wider than spec at 235/40-18 not 225/40-18
2. Passenger Rear control arm was bent and needed replacing. See attached.

Rob

 

Glad you got the issue resolved!