QuestionQUESTION: I have a 2000 Nissan Frontier 2wd x-cab with 84,00 miles on it. With the last two sets of tires the truck has wandered and required constant small steering corrections. It is also very sensitive to cross winds. I've had the alignment checked twice. The castor and toe in are within specs. The current tires are Michelin Pilot Exalto A/S.
Do I have too "high" a level of tire or an alignment problem?
ANSWER: Tony,
The tires are fine. You could set the tow out a half of a degree more to keep the tires tracking straight. The cross wind thing is because it is a high profile vehicle and there is nothing to be done about that. If the steering wheel is not set straight the lash will increase on the rack and cause sloppy steering while driving straight. So, when it is aligned be sure the wheel is centered. Also, another trick is to set the camber a little negative to keep the wheel tracking straight. This will cause inner tire wear. But, not too much. Lastly, if you drive where the roads are bad all bets are off.
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QUESTION: Thanks for your suggestions. I'll have the alignment shop make your recommended adjustments and try it again. I think the steering wheel is set straight. I thought toe was measured in inches. How is that converted to degrees? I'm surprised you think a camber change will work better than a castor change. Please explain? I don't care about a little tire wear.
AnswerTony,
Start by having them set the alignment to get the truck to track straight.
The camber being set negative is pretty effective at keeping the wheel straight.
You are correct that caster is aids in centering the wheel too and keeping the vehicle stable. I do not think there is much adjustment on your two wheel drive and that is why I went with camber. Either will do and both will work better, but with excessive tire wear. A little adjustment to get the vehicle to drive like you like and no more will keep the tires from scrubbing.
