Steering/Alignment Issues

[SUNCITYMES]

I've see that there have been some threads in the past dealing with steering and alignment issues on the Genesis. I'm just wondering if anyone has any updated information that they can share with me on this problem.
I own a 2009 Genesis 3.8 sedan with the Tech Pkg and have had the car into the dealership twice to check the alignment because the car continually pulls to the left. It doesn't matter what lane I'm in....I think it's been referred to as the crown or slope of the road...the car will go left. I have to continually pull the wheel to the right when driving the car to keep it going in a straight line.......the steering wheel is usually ~ 1/2" off center whenever I drive. The dealership.....and I have to say they probably are one of the worst for customer service that I've had to deal with in a lot of years.....say the alignment is okay. Is there anything else that could be causing this. It's getting to the point that I'm not enjoying driving the car because I feel like I'm always fighting with the steering wheel instead of enjoying the awesome car that I have.
I checked the tire pressures and they're consistent between all tires.

Thanks for your help!

 

[dg_moore]

Maybe you should try another dealer?

 

[txgolf]

This could be a tire problem as they can cause a pull one way or the other. It sounds like you should go to a tire store and have your car checked out there. That way they can check the tires and alignment. I used to work in the auto industry and one little trick is when they give you a estimate ask them to guanantee that the work they recomend will cure the problem, that will give you an out if it does not.

 

[ttsig]

As stated above, sometimes this can be caused by the tires. Not really a defect, just a natural pull to one side or another. I'd really suggest you hunt up a tire dealer that has a Hunter GSP9700 road force balancer with StraightTrak. I was never really a believer in the fancy "road force balancing" stuff until I had some balance issues with the Yokohama tires I purchased as replacements for my Genesis that the tire dealer couldn't seem to get fixed. I took the vehicle to a tire shop with one of these machines, paid the slight premium for their alignment, and an hour later I had a perfectly smooth riding vehicle that tracked straight as an arrow. I was impressed. One of our two Hyundai dealers in town actually have the machine, so if it's a problem with the original tires, you might be able to find a Hyundai dealer that will try this under warranty.

Here's a link with some info in "StraightTrak":
http://www.gsp9700.com/pub/features/StraightTrak.cfm

And a link to find a service center in your area that has the GSP9700 (look for the StraightTrak logo for those that have the StraightTrak option):
http://www.gsp9700.com/pub/search/findgsp9700.cfm

I have no affiliation with Hunter or any tire dealers, but learned about them right here on this forum. I was skeptical, but the results convinced me that this thing is for real.

 

[ASHDUMP]

My car does this as well.... I've just been to lazy to take it in for an alignment... There are a couple of threads on this though... something I remember was people commenting on how the correct alignment information in the system was inaccurate? Does this ring a bell to anyone? I'm sure it has been corrected by now though.

 

[ctrcbob]

My Hyundai dealer has the specs already programmed in his alignment machine. I had mine aligned twice with them. First time because I had some feathering on a couple tires. Second time, after I purchased new tires, only because the tire dealer gives you a "Free Alignment Check" (note, check not correction). The tire dealers machine said that I had one of my rear tires way out of spec. (I figure they just wanted the money to do an alignment). Took it to my Hyundai dealer, and had them check it out, and everything was in spec. (I like my Hyundai Dealer Service Department).

 

[mikec]

In previous threads of similar pulls-to-one-side issues, folks found the alignment had to be done right to the center of the allowable range - i.e. the alignment has to be "spot on" perfect... for the Genesis, close enough "by the book" isn't close enough "on the road" unfortunately.

mike c.

 

[SUNCITYMES]

I found another Service Bulliten on the HMSA which points to a recognized issue. I'll take a copy along with the alignment specs to my dealer and I'll see if he can finally correct the problem.

08-SS-004 DIAGNOSIS AND CORRECTION OF VEHICLE PULL

 

[SUNCITYMES]

Thanks ttsig for the info.....I'll give the dealership one more try since there are other issues that they've failed to fix on their first attempt. If that doesn't work then I'll try what you suggested.

Thanks for your help!

 

[imaphaetonguy]

Anyone else having these issues too?

I decided to replace my OE Dunlops. Car drives straight, with no pulling.

1) installed a new set of Pirelli PZero Nero tires - car pulls to the right.
2) Tried a Hunter Road force balance - car pulls to the right.
3) rotated front tires (drivers with passengers) - still pulls to right.
4) rotated front to back - car pulls to the right.
5) got an alignment - vehicle within specs - car pulled to the right.
6) returned the Pirelli tires for a refund. Installed OE Dunlops - car drives straight.
7) installed a set of Kuhmo 4X tires - car now pulls to the right.

I read the PDF from an above email, and I think I've had most all of those steps completed to determine if any one of these could solve the problem. All my steps have been completed at two tire stores - just have to try the dealer next.

I am well aware of road 'crowns'. Can't believe two sets of tires from two different manufacturers would cause the same problem.

What else could there be to check?

Running out of options.

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[glennk]

Dealer has suggested I need an alignment. $89. Is this fair and should I allow them to use spec settings or something else?

 

[dougmcp]

Dealer has suggested I need an alignment. $89. Is this fair and should I allow them to use spec settings or something else?

$89 for a 4 wheel alignment seems like a good price but what prompted the dealer to make the recommendation of an alignment?

 

[EdP]

$89 for a 4 wheel alignment seems like a good price but what prompted the dealer to make the recommendation of an alignment?

I know, I know, lemme answer. . . . The dealer wants to do a 10 minute check of alignment and charge $89. Unless you have steering issues or tire wear, not good reason to do it. Some shops will do it cheap nd tell you you need ball joints, tie rod ends, etc. Perhaps it is needed but let him show you why.