Wheel Alignment

I'm a bit picky about alignment. First the average shop will do a "good enough" alignment, not a perfect one. I notice the difference. Next, a Miata can be annoying to drive when set to right down the middle of the various specs. Long distance driving on a crowned highway for instance. Autocross is another bag of worms from the alignment standpoint. Finally, if the rear alignment is not correct, "torque steer" can be very annoying. There are methods of alignment that rely on a very flat, level floor. They do work when done correctly. If that isn't bad enough, tires and alignment interact.

'torque steer' is a front-wheel-drive affliction.

dookie

interesting topic... I was about to ask what may be causing my recently acquired '94 to want to 'drift' to the left under hard acceleration, then seem to revert to the right when letting off... don't notice this effect unless I really jump on it. I did notice the other day when cleaning the wheels, that the drivers (left) side rear wheel appears to be a tad farther forward in the fender opening than the right rear wheel. I guess it's off to the alignment shop !

Pete Breemhaar Georgetown, Ontario

That's almost always a rear tire going flat. Sometimes it's caused by mismatched rear tires--different brand or different diameter.

tires are identical and almost new... seller had left me all bills, which showed tires purchased just 10,000 kms (6000 mi) ago. I keep them at

Pete

How about getting your tape out and start measuring? Seems to me it should be straightforward to compare left versus right and see what is different. May want to jack it up and put it on stands first. Check that there is still a visible difference after you have done that, of course. Otherwise jack it down slowly and keep track.

Le>tires are identical and almost new... seller had left me all bills, which

Not exactly so! It existed long before front wheel drive cars were common. Torque twists the chassis and the drive train. The alignment was sometime called by different names, such as "thrust" and always involves the rear axle. Part of the problem goes back to the engine torque that is applied to the engine mounts. One of these days, I'll get around to changing the rear bushings and engine mounts to stiffer ones.