Rear Wheel Misaligned? (UPDATE: some rear axles out of spec; warranty replacement)

[91cavgt]

My right rear camber was off by the same amount and I found odd tire wear, got my axle replaced under warranty and the new one is out of adjustment too.

[jbarr]

When they replaced the rear axle, was the toe still within specifications?

[91cavgt]

When they replaced the rear axle, was the toe still within specifications?

They did not tell me what was out, just that the new axle was also out of spec.

[BRagland]

So I just purchased my Mirage about a week ago...

The steering wheel is not centered at any speed, but does not change with speed. I have to turn the steering wheel slightly left to drive straight, and the amount I have to keep it left is the same at any speed. I'd say the steering wheel is about 2-3 degrees left of center...

I have scheduled an appointment with the dealership, with a complaint of "Steering Wheel Not Centered"

Should I be concerned? Is the steering wheel being a bit off of center a sign of bad rear wheel alignment?

[BillThompsonMirage-ES-CVT]

Based on my experience posted earlier in this post, the answer is yes.

[deleted user]

So I just purchased my Mirage about a week ago...

The steering wheel is not centered at any speed, but does not change with speed. I have to turn the steering wheel slightly left to drive straight, and the amount I have to keep it left is the same at any speed. I'd say the steering wheel is about 2-3 degrees left of center...

I have scheduled an appointment with the dealership, with a complaint of "Steering Wheel Not Centered"

Should I be concerned? Is the steering wheel being a bit off of center a sign of bad rear wheel alignment?

It's possible it could be rear alignment, or it could be front alignment. Your "steering wheel not centered" observation is the perfect way to get the alignment checked and when you have the data, you have recorded that data with the dealership and Mitsubishi. Let us know what they tell you, and specifically, the actual measurements and any adjustments they made.

regards
mech

[Eggman]

I'm not sure if you've read through this entire thread, as it's pretty involved. It might be worth it so you know what others have faced, and you can use this in your discussions with your dealer. As others have proved, it can be fixed - just maybe not by the dealer.

[BRagland]

I'm not sure if you've read through this entire thread, as it's pretty involved. It might be worth it so you know what others have faced, and you can use this in your discussions with your dealer. As others have proved, it can be fixed - just maybe not by the dealer.

I did read the last ~4 pages and I saw some of you were using chains on the rear axle to pull them together? Is that the most viable way of a fix without the dealer (should I have this problem...)?

I'm still hoping I didn't just buy a tire eating monster.. There goes all the fuel savings, right into my tires every 20k fund...

[Eggman]

I did read the last ~4 pages and I saw some of you were using chains on the rear axle to pull them together? Is that the most viable way of a fix without the dealer (should I have this problem...)?

Board member 'old mechanic' has used a combination of rods and turnbuckle to address excessive toe-in, then used an appropriately-sized lever to bend the axle spindles into compliance. You could search for his posts in this thread to see for yourself. I suppose there is still some benefit to be gained by reading the whole thread, though.

As for a tire-eating monster, it could depend on so many factors. Get the alignment checked and go from there. I think that since a solution has been found and successfully applied, this model car is saved from Lemon status, and you'll be fine in the end.

Hope that helps. Best wishes.

[91cavgt]

One thing is for certain. If you are unsure of your alignment, routine tire rotations will help to prevent premature tire wear. I was rotating my tires every 5,000 miles and did not notice the odd tire wear until my car had 24,000 miles on it.