Are tracking and wheel alignment the same thing?

[dikdik]

Steerings is wobbly going around bends and has vibration at 70 mph. Got car on ramps and mechanic showed me left wheel was bit loose when he moved it manually. Tracking problem he said and also left tire had severe outer wear

If I took the car to National tyres for example to get the alignment done would that fix the problem or are tracking and alignment totally separate. Mechanic who looked at it doesnt have the equipment hence im thinking taking it to the big boys

 

[gazz]

First off, "wheel was a bit loose" suggests there might be a worn balljoint or bush. You'd need to get that fixed first.

Tracking is a term often used to describe the measurement and correction of toe. Wheel alignment is used to describe a more thorough check and adjustment of toe, camber and caster, best done on all four wheels.

 

[johnsco]

There is no point in checking or adjusting the wheel alignment until all steering and suspension parts are 100 per cent OK.
Get these items checked out - and then spend your money on a 4-wheel alignment at a reputable garage.

 

[jamesfuller]

mechanic showed me left wheel was bit loose when he moved it manually. Tracking problem he said and also left tire had severe outer wear

Mechanic who looked at it doesnt have the equipment hence im thinking taking it to the big boys

I would not trust this guy with a lawn mower!!!

Tracking is bassically how you measure if the front wheels are parralel, pointing toward each other or away from each other.
This is part of the 'alignment' but usually (but do check) a full alignment will include the camber (other adjustments depend on the adjust-ability of the car and the equipment used, I don't work on road cars so dont no what's in common use) and will be done on both axles.
This will also include making sure the steering wheel is straight and the angle sensor is calibrated.

Unless done on an otherwise healthy car it is a total waste of money as it will need doing after the repairs again!

 

[grumpyoldgit]

As already said, get that 'wheel a bit lose' sorted before any tracking or wheel alignment.
It could also be a potential MOT failure when that comes around.
Did the mechanic point out to you exactly where the play in the wheel was? i.e. ball joint/bush/bearing.

 

[johnsco]

I would not trust this guy with a lawn mower!!!
QUOTE]

I agree completely.

 

[streethawk]

As already said, get that 'wheel a bit lose' sorted before any tracking or wheel alignment.
It could also be a potential MOT failure when that comes around.
Did the mechanic point out to you exactly where the play in the wheel was? i.e. ball joint/bush/bearing.

Are we sure wheel nuts are tight? Just a thought and it sounds dangerous.

 

[sinewave]

I would not trust this guy with a lawn mower!!!
QUOTE]

I agree completely.

Me Too!

 

[wheels-inmotion]

I'm really worried about that play...... If it's visual then it's very wrong, please get it checked again.

 

[wheels-inmotion]

In addition this might help from my webby
..........................................
Tracking – (1 angle measured)
This is a linear measurement of the vehicles two front wheels, they are checked for alignment compared to one another in one horizontal plain only ( relative toe).
This single measurement method makes the large and foolish assumption that the wheel being measured is correct in all other plains (camber, caster, KPI etc) and makes no attempt to measure the rear wheels at all.

Four wheel alignment – (2 angles measured)
This is again a simple linear measurement where the rear wheel alignment is simply assumed to be correct and the rear wheels are then used as a scale to centre the front steering rack, the front toe left and right is then individually adjusted.
This is mildly more useful but still highly floored as it makes a dangerous assumption regarding the rear wheels alignment to the actual chassis and again it completely ignores the many other important plains of geometry.

Four wheel Laser alignment
Exactly the same process as above! The addition of the word “Laser” is a simple marketing ploy to make a simple process seem more technologically advanced.

Primary Geometry – (8 angles measured)
This system will accurately locate the rear axle centreline allowing both the front and rear axle to be centred, in addition front and rear wheel cambers will be measured. Whilst this system is acceptable we still consider it rather basic.

Full Global Geometry, Primary and Secondary – (15+ angles measured)
This system measures every necessary wheel angle and therefore the vehicle geometry can be set or corrected absolutely from scratch with no assumptions being made.
These systems are very powerful but are also complicated to both use and to understand. Unfortunately all too often these systems are operated by technicians who do not fully understand the relevance of many of the measured angles and so the system can be totally wasted in the wrong hands.
These important measurements include:-

• Castor
• King Pin Inclination/ SJI/ SAI (terminology differs)
• Scrub radius
• Included angles
• Toot/ Ackerman
• Delta curves

A real problem in this industry is that the full global wheel alignment systems along with the relevant staff training are invariably quite expensive for a company, so this leads many companies to implement the cheaper and far less adequate systems. This problem combined with the fact that the average customer is blissfully unaware that there is anything more their cars setup than simple “tracking” can often result in unhappy customers after poor customer service and poor results.
Be aware of the differences in the systems and make sure that the service you are paying for next time is actually capable of giving you results!

 

[kth286]

Also front wheel bearings may need to be adjusted (tightened) a bit.