[JakiChan]

On the way home from my trip to LA for the 2nd anniversary of PEC LA I was trying to decide if the car is just really sensitive to crowns in the road, or if I have an alignment issue. The car has 4k miles, I haven't hit any significant potholes...has anyone else had to have an alignment done for no apparent reason? I did have one tire replaced, maybe it started then?

 

[RussellHodgson]

What happens when you drive down the road and take your hands off the wheel? Do it pull to the right or left? If so does it do it a lot?

 

[JakiChan]

It pulls a little to the right, in line with the crown of the road I think. But I feel like I'm having to hold the wheel off-center to go straight.

 

[Viffermike]

Generally, cars with offset or 'staggered' tire widths and/or significantly different track sizes between the front and rear axles will 'tram' harder -- i.e., react to road irregularities -- than ones with even tire sizes and little difference in track widths.

A great current example of this is the Dodge Hellcat, which is notorious for it, as is the Ford GT350/500. The 718 definitely has this going on, but to a lesser extent -- and my most recent car, a BMW S Series with 'staggered' tires, exhibited this as well.

Completely normal.

 

[JakiChan]

So I shouldn't expect the steering wheel to be "straight" while driving?

 

[Viffermike]

So I shouldn't expect the steering wheel to be "straight" while driving?

If you're on a crowned road with even a mild amount of rutting caused by surface wear, no -- but crosswinds will also cause the car to drift a little. Even left/right disparities in GVLR (which, on our cars, isn't much more than 450 pounds, IIRC) can cause it, so be careful where and when you judge this.

The key is what @RussellHodgson alludes to: Does it drag to one side consistently on different types of roads?

 

[JakiChan]

It seems to pull to the right pretty regularly. But that's the way the crowning leans most of the time. It seems to be "worse" than I remember, so I may get it checked.

 

[Viffermike]

It seems to pull to the right pretty regularly. But that's the way the crowning leans most of the time. It seems to be "worse" than I remember, so I may get it checked.

I'd take a look at tire wear, too, if you've got a few thousand miles on the car. if there's a discernably more wear on the tires in the opposite direction of the pull -- particularly if that's combined with evidence of 'cupping' (little crescent shapes in the wear that signify the compound being 'pulled' in a direction other than what it's designed for), you likely have an issue.

 

[85Gold]

So I shouldn't expect the steering wheel to be "straight" while driving?

Yes you should expect the steering wheel to be centered. If you take your hand off the wheel the car should go where it is pointed. My car with a track alignment does not tramline or pull to one side.

Peter

 

[grasmere]

On the way home from my trip to LA for the 2nd anniversary of PEC LA I was trying to decide if the car is just really sensitive to crowns in the road, or if I have an alignment issue. The car has 4k miles, I haven't hit any significant potholes...has anyone else had to have an alignment done for no apparent reason? I did have one tire replaced, maybe it started then?

c

At Porsche dealers in the UK they do a complimentary wheel alignment check every time it’s in, inc my recent mod to the side grills.
At least it’s on the paperwork! Whether it’s done is a good question. Point is why do they do it?

Sounds like you need it checking for peace of mind at least . . .

 

[Basaltbox]

Complimentary ...... is this a new concept as I didn’t experience it when my 986 was new (clearly a while ago ...)

 

[nineball]

you should definitely have to looked at my a reputable shop, just to be safe. i went one year (and 5 track events) before my first alignment and it was pretty far out. it's a new car with new components and they will "settle" over time.

 

[grasmere]

Complimentary ...... is this a new concept as I didn’t experience it when my 986 was new (clearly a while ago ...)

Interesting !
Mines been in twice this year, (Porsche Leeds) first was to set up the Porsche connect stuff (July) and second the side grille mod (Oct), both occasions the paperwork listed the complimentary alignment check but don't know why.


Next time I'll check and ask what they did etc.

 

[bus_ter]

I've noticed the same. The 718 loves to follow the camber of the road. You have to steer against it. It's also very sensitive to side winds.

I mean to get my Geo checked. Previously experience has shown that the geo is often ballpark from the factory, and after a 1000 miles or so and everything has settled it's a good idea to dial it all in spot on.

 

[GregW]

I've noticed the same. The 718 loves to follow the camber of the road. You have to steer against it. It's also very sensitive to side winds.<snip>

I'm sorry that that is your experience.

My Boxster's performance is exactly the opposite of that--it seems to steer dead straight no matter the camber or the wind.

 

[JakiChan]

My alignment was way off it turns out. And at first it looked like it wasn't back in when the car was returned. However that's because their computer couldn't pull up the specs for a 718 with PASM...lol.

 

[wriggly]

I'm sorry that that is your experience.

My Boxster's performance is exactly the opposite of that--it seems to steer dead straight no matter the camber or the wind.

That’s been my experience as well. The steering and handling on my GTS is wonderful. Best of any car I’ve ever owned.

 

[ZackC]

Hi I have 2019 718 14k miles. Went in for an oil change (not Porsche dealer) and when the car was returned I felt the car pull to the right to the point were I have to counter steer to the left. Went in to have alignment done (toe was out on left) however I can still feel it pulling to the right.

What’s the likely hold the shop botched the oil change in some manner and caused this?

 

[CaymanMatt]

Replied to an old message, deleted.

 

[CaymanMatt]

Hi I have 2019 718 14k miles. Went in for an oil change (not Porsche dealer) and when the car was returned I felt the car pull to the right to the point were I have to counter steer to the left. Went in to have alignment done (toe was out on left) however I can still feel it pulling to the right.

What’s the likely hold the shop botched the oil change in some manner and caused this?

Sounds like they hit something either while pulling in or out of the bay, or during a test drive. Check wheel torque in case they pulled a wheel and didn't reinstall correctly.