nygunrunners

i have a 1996 honda accord lx and when i drive my steering wheel pulls to the left, so i have to pull to the right to keep straight.... i was told by one person that i need a wheel alignment... then i was told by another person that i should balance my tires... what might be the problem... and also whats the difference with a 2 wheel alignment from a 4 wheel alignment?

89_LXi

Wheel balance has absolutely nothing to do with a vehicle pulling, but bad tires can cause pulls. Certain brands, such as Vogues (those ones with the thick whitewalls and a gold ring you see on Lincolns and such) are VERY notorious for pulling to the right. When you do an alignment on a car with those tires you actually have to set it out of spec just to make the car drive straight.

Anyways, you definitely need an alignment for starters. Difference between a 2 wheel and 4 wheel alignment is just like it sounds.... 2 wheel align is mainly for RWD vehicles with a solid rear axle (which can't be adjusted), so only the front 2 wheels are aligned. Most FWD vehicles and IRS RWD vehicles require a 4 wheel alignment, in which the rear is adjusted as well. Accords take a 4 wheel alignment. It's important to do a 4 wheel when a 4 wheel is required because the front is actually aligned "TO" the back, so you gotta set the back first and then the front. Setting just the front with the rear still off will give an inaccurate alignment.

Heat

Another thing to consider, depending on how long you plan to keep the car, is a lifetime alignment.

Around here (central Illinois), a 4 wheel alignment runs about $60. A couple of years ago I picked up a lifetime alignment through a Firestone dealer for $110 (I can get it aligned every 6,000 or 7,000 miles, though I've only used it twice).

DaChoZn1

1st make sure your front tires are inflated to the correct PSI. If they are then yes you probably do need an alignment. You should also verify that your tires are balanced correctly. Out of balance tires can throw your alignment out of wack.

Another thing to check is your tie rods and ball joints. Jack your front tires up and do this. Hold the wheel/tire from the outer egde with one hand on each side and see if there is any play side-to-side or top-to-bottom. It should be solid, If there is even the slightest movement side-to-side you have a bad tie-rod. Top-to-bottom a bad ball joint. Check both sides. Good luck.