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A week or so ago, I had a wheel alignment and balance at a local tyre shop.

They offered me their special price of $55 while they fixed my puncture for free. My car was not due for a alignment but as I had only just bought it I thought it wouldn't hurt.

When I drove my car home after the alignment, it was pulling quite hard to the left. I rang and they said to bring it back. They said both the alignment and the camber were out of spec and told me the only reason this could happen is if I hit a curb really hard.

I had not hit any curbs and reminded them I noticed this straight after they the alignment was adjusted.

They have now tried to correct it four times and said that I can have my money back as it is a mechanical problem which they cannot fix by adjustment.

Is there anything that they could have done in that could have caused the problem because it happened straight after they serviced the vehicle?

What can I do?

Jodie

From the "Ask Jack" archives - 23 April 2010

Something is quite strange here. For the camber to be out of spec it normally takes a big impact on the side of the road wheel.

The impact should be hard enough however to show witness marks on the wheel rim. If there are no such signs then it's hard to imagine the camber has altered greatly by your doing.

Also, the steering wheel normally moves out of its central position as a result of an impact.

My best advice, and I know it's going to hit you in the pocket, is to get a second opinion from an alignment specialist.

They should be able to give you the reason for this condition.