C4 - Problem with alignment.

Al Capwned

Hi guys, wasn't quite sure where to put this..

My dad bought a 131-reg Citroen C4 ex-demo in July. It's been pulling left since day one, and he has brought it back to where he bought it on 3 occasions since.

First reaction of the salesman was "Oh all cars should pull a bit left".
They've aligned the wheels and the fault is still there - I've driven it on the flattest straightest road I know, where my own van runs dead straight, and it's still wanting to head to the ditch.

Now I was chatting to a mate of mine, and he came across this fault before somewhere, and he recommended that I check the measurements of the car.
So with his help, I've discovered that the measurement from centre to centre on the wheels on the left is 8mm longer than on the right! The dealer is adamant that no damage has ever been done to the car!

My dad is growing increasingly impatient with the dealer, and my questions to you guys are have any of you ever come across anything like this before, is there any reason for the 8mm difference apart from a bang or something?

Thanks in advance,
Al.

jayok

I assume you mean that the set-back is 8mm between the left and right of the car? If it is, then the suspension is misaligned. Now this could be either the subframes are positioned incorrectly (if the C4 uses them) or other suspension component is. I'm not sure of the body tolerances of this for a C4 - On my Accord the difference is 2mm.

On the alignment report, I take it the toe and camber are all pretty bang on? And the tyres are in good health?

Al Capwned

I'm no expert mate, so could be....
I measured from centre of front wheel to centre of back wheel. the measurement on the left hand side of the car is 8mm longer than on the right.

I haven't seen the written report of the alignment, but I'm told that they said "everything is perfect with it, it should be grand now"

The tyres are ok, yes, but there's only been about 2000 km put on it since he bought it, so would problems necessarily show yet?

jayok

Al Capwned wrote: »

I haven't seen the written report of the alignment, but I'm told that they said "everything is perfect with it, it should be grand now"

Ok, being told everything is perfect isn't good enough. I suggest you get its alignment checked by someone who can give you a print out of the actual settings. You can also ask them to check the secondary angles (including the setback).

Get a full report on it first. This will give you hard evidence follow up the issue with.

FWIW - I've been around the ring with so call "alignment" experts. TBH it is pretty hard to find someone who is actually good at it - the amount of times I've been told "But sure it's close enough!"

Al Capwned

Cheers for that - never heard of setback before, but sure why would I!

Any recommendations on somewhere that can do a full report? I'm in South Kildare, ten minutes from Carlow, but don't mind travelling to somewhere that people may have a good opinion of!

jayok

Well, you're in luck! I recommend Devoy's Garage in Carlow.

http://devoysgarage.net/

The have a full-on Hunter alignment machine in there and it can pretty much measure everything! Ask him for a print-out before you begin or get him to show it to you and take pictures with your phone.

Al Capwned

Might give him a shout on Monday so - thanks for that - bet you can guess what dealer I'm talking about then too!

In fairness to them though, I've had a car and a van from them, and i know many other people that have nothing only good things to say about them.

mickdw

Yes a good alignment system.will give read out of everything including the distance you found wrong. Its hard to trust your own measurements as the wheels would have to be set dead ahead to check this accurately.
There will be no room for excuses after a proper alignment check. If the problem is as bad as you say im sure the fault will show up.
My money us on a bent suspension arm

road_high

Would that car be an ex rental car? Possible it got a knock or was damaged previously. Last thing you'd expect on a near new car.

Al Capwned

Gone back to dealer again today. The father was in with them during the week, and he's told them he wants a replacement or his money back.
This afternoon should be interesting to say the least.