Tyre Allignment

[publicbus]

I just own a E39 year 2000 model. I have problem having the tyre alignment because the alignmment machine could not be placed in between the tyre and the rim. When the technician tried to force in the metal pin, it broke the rim sides. The first shop therefore asked me to try at another sop and the same thing happened. I went to a 3rd shop and the same problem happened. But this time, they did the alignment with fixing the alignment machine tip to the inner side of the rim. Not sure this will give accurate alingment or not. I was told by a mechanic that the Pirelli typre (225 width) is not suitable and advised me to change to ohter brands in future.Can anyone help to enligntened this UDM newbee?Cheers

 

[san]

i have my 635csi fitted with e39 oem rims with 225 55 16 tyre, i just did my my alingment there is no problem with the attachment to the rim

 

[colebruno]

Have some questions on alignment and camber.

1. I brought my e39 to one of the tyres shop in damansara. Told them I want them to check for alignment, toe and camber. They told me that they cannot adjust the camber for e39 as the original parts does not have screw for them to adjust. Alignment - ok, can be done. I'm a bit worried since most of the tyre wear is due to camber problem and not alignment. Can someone confirm this? How then can we adjust the camber if this goes out and eats the tyre? I'm now worried when it comes to potholes.

2. Once I changed a new pair of front tyre for my other car. I need to hold the steering slightly to the left for the car to go in straight line. When I ask the man to adjust this to make it straight, he told me that this alignment is done by machine and so it's best to keep it that way - best for the tyre. I recalled that last time, I took it to another tyre shop and they adjusted for me till the steering is straight. But I'm not sure if this will wear my tyre faster. Can someone help explain this?

Thanks.

 

[jjssw]

I ain't know much about alignment or camber, but I recently sent my car for alignment & the first thing I was informed was that BMW cambers are adjustable. And what's the point of having an alignment done when they can't get the steering straight?! Suggest you tick the tyres shop off your list.

 

[forge]

Its just a steering wheel position readjustment . used to have that problem on my E32. The workshop simply unbolted my steering wheel and put it back on again properly aligned./adjusted. Fixes the problem. Leaves the question why an alignment at the shop would cause the problem though. . . .

 

[colebruno]

You're right jjssw. Both are off my lists. May I know which shop you go to?

 

[bimmer73]

never adjust your camber for e39 only do alignment. the inside of the tyre should ware alittle more than the outside. it is normal when you adjust the camber you will screw up the handling. If the camber is bent slightly get it change. go to a chop shop and get a used one and then redo your alignment. your steering is just repositioning. again do not adjust the camber.

 

[bindablitz]

Recommmend goto Manji Lai from MP Auto down at Sunway for a 2nd opinion. If anybody can fix funny problems he can.

 

[lokeck]

According to my tyre man, it is due to the design of Pirelli tyres. What he did was deflat the tyres, in order for the "caliper" to be fixed to the tyres. After the alignment is done, the tyres will be inflated. Never use force to install the machine as it will damage your beautiful rims.

 

[jjssw]

Colebruno, I did my alignment at a workshop in SJ which I've frequented for more than 10 years (non-UDM). I would recommend you go to BMW specialists for whatever gotta do with, hmm, a BMW. I personally go to M1. My steering was too annoyingly out of sync, and I couldn't take time off to M1 so after delaying for much too long, I popped by the SJ workshop who happens to have the right machine to do the work.

What bimmer73 informed is interesting, will surely send mine for thorough checking at my next service due.

 

[rookie]

I always do my alignment and wheel balancing at Hupsun in SS3. Been satisfied with their work and price is not too expensive. 4 wheel balancing + alignment costs about RM40.

 

[publicbus]

According to my tyre man, it is due to the design of Pirelli tyres. What he did was deflat the tyres, in order for the "caliper" to be fixed to the tyres. After the alignment is done, the tyres will be inflated. Never use force to install the machine as it will damage your beautiful rims.

Lokeck,
Your tyre man is correct. Went to another tyre shop and they agreed. Problem with Pirelli tyres solved. However, after aligment I found the the tyre vibrate at 130km/hr. Asked another e39 friend and he advised to go for on-wheel alignment. When I went to the tyre shop, the tyre man advised not to do on-wheel alignment with Merc, Audi or Beemers. The explainantion is it will spoil the shaft etc etc. Is this true? In the meantime have to live with wobble tyre at more than 130km/hr....

 

[colebruno]

Lokeck,
Your tyre man is correct. Went to another tyre shop and they agreed. Problem with Pirelli tyres solved. However, after aligment I found the the tyre vibrate at 130km/hr. Asked another e39 friend and he advised to go for on-wheel alignment. When I went to the tyre shop, the tyre man advised not to do on-wheel alignment with Merc, Audi or Beemers. The explainantion is it will spoil the shaft etc etc. Is this true? In the meantime have to live with wobble tyre at more than 130km/hr....

publicbus,

Tyre vibration is not caused by alignment but wheel balancing. Suggest you asked for a off-wheel balancing if on-wheel balancing is not advisable.

 

[colebruno]

never adjust your camber for e39 only do alignment. the inside of the tyre should ware alittle more than the outside. it is normal when you adjust the camber you will screw up the handling. If the camber is bent slightly get it change. go to a chop shop and get a used one and then redo your alignment. your steering is just repositioning. again do not adjust the camber.

Bro Bimmer73,

How do we check if camber is bent? BTW, how do we identify the camber?

 

[publicbus]

publicbus,

Tyre vibration is not caused by alignment but wheel balancing. Suggest you asked for a off-wheel balancing if on-wheel balancing is not advisable.

Thanks Colebruno,
Sorry for the confusion. It is not on-wheel alingment but on-wheel balancing meant by the foreman. He said if vibration occured at more than 130km/hr, off-wheel balancing will not be able to solve the problem.

 

[lokeck]

Publicbus

When car logs up more milage, it will need on-wheel balancing as wear and tear occur around the suspension system especially the parts that connect to the wheels. Off-wheel balancing will not take into account the wear and tear of the system. However, if your car is a new car (

 

[publicbus]

So far, found out only one tyre shop with the on-line wheel balancing but then again the boss advised against doing on-line wheel balancing. Is the machine used in method 2 the same as the machine in method 1?
Does anyone else know of any good tyre shops around BM, Butterworth.... ?

 

[lokeck]

So far, found out only one tyre shop with the on-line wheel balancing but then again the boss advised against doing on-line wheel balancing. Is the machine used in method 2 the same as the machine in method 1?
Does anyone else know of any good tyre shops around BM, Butterworth.... ?

Dear Publicbus

Method (1) mentioned in my earlier mail does not require any special balancing machine. Experienced tyreman will be able to "feel" the vibration at the steering wheel and the wheel being balanced. Method (2) can be used for both FWD and RWD cars.

 

[eddiefiola]

publicbus n the rest, go to Manji Lai from MP Auto down at Sunway. he can fix your problem...... don't waste ur time lah.......

 

[tamade7]

publicbus n the rest, go to Manji Lai from MP Auto down at Sunway. he can fix your problem...... don't waste ur time lah.......

Yup. I went there and really like the way they do their work. Time taken to balance, align and adjust one hour and 45 mins.