Alignment

2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER
133,000 MILES • 4.2L • V6 • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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BLESS2SUCCESS
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I bought new tires for my vehicle way back in December 2015 and never had an alignment done on the vehicle afterwards. Even though the tires are four years old can I still get an alignment or do I have to purchase a set of brand new tires?
Feb 24, 2019 at 10:25 AM
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STEVE W.
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
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  • ASE Certified Mechanic
You can do an alignment any time. The tires will simply start wearing to match whatever changes the alignment makes. If you have been keeping them rotated and none are showing odd wear you may not need an alignment. Or are you seeing wear or other problems?
Feb 24, 2019 at 11:19 AM
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BLESS2SUCCESS
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When I try driving straight the vehicle goes left.
Feb 24, 2019 at 11:20 AM
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STEVE W.
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
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  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Does the steering wheel try to turn left or does it just pull left? That can also be a sign of a bad tire.
Feb 24, 2019 at 11:41 AM
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BLESS2SUCCESS
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It pulls left. for example; if I take my hands off the steering wheel while the car is still moving.
Feb 24, 2019 at 11:48 AM
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STEVE W.
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
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  • ASE Certified Mechanic
That can be alignment but a low or damaged tire can do that as well. First I would verify that all the tires are inflated the same, then I would rotate the tires and see if the pull changes or goes away. If it does then it's a bad tire. If not then it's time to check out the alignment and the front suspension for worn parts.
Feb 24, 2019 at 7:36 PM
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BLESS2SUCCESS
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Worn parts like the tie rods ?
Feb 24, 2019 at 7:38 PM
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STEVE W.
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
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  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Tie rods, ball joints, bushings all can wear and make the suspension act strange, pulling, wandering and more are the result. Another item that can cause pulling would be a brake caliper that is not releasing fully.
Feb 25, 2019 at 12:53 AM
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