LT1 Based Engine Tech 1993-1997 LT1/LT4 Engine Related

Can tire pressure cause alignment pull?

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Old Jul 14, 2003 | 07:12 PM
  #1  
JAFO1994's Avatar
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From: Oshkosh, WI., United States
Can tire pressure cause alignment pull?

I had 245/50/16 on and the alignment was fine. No irregular tire wear or anything. I just put 275/40/17's on and it pulls to the left. The tires were used but there in perfect shape with no round or irregular edges. I had it aligned and everything is within spec. I let go of the stearing wheel on the highway and it pulls me into the next lane like I'm changing lanes. Can improper tire pressure cause this? I have front's at 36 and rears at 34. Or are these wide tires tracking more?
Old Jul 14, 2003 | 10:12 PM
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TA Dreaming's Avatar
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From: Athens, GA
yes but it would have to be a big difference in pressures to pull like you say it does. people used to and probrably still do inflate their front tires at the strip to reduce rolling resistance. so turn that around. if one tire is low its creating more resistence kinda like putting the brake on one wheel only. this will cause a pull.

however your tires are used and i would suspect they may not be as good as you think. look at the tread itself and see if it runs in a straight line. youll have to jack up the car to free spin the wheel. if the tread itself waves while you look at it straight on then you have radial pull. this will cause you tires to pull as well. but i would just guess they arent in as good of shape as you think.

also make sure the road doesnt slant to one side for drainage. Trey
Old Jul 14, 2003 | 10:16 PM
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Test it on several different road surfaces and also be aware that 17's will pull more with any ruts in the road.
Old Jul 14, 2003 | 10:59 PM
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Did you install them in the same locations as the car they were taken off of? If they are used then this DEFINITELY matters.
Old Jul 15, 2003 | 05:17 AM
  #5  
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If you have a broken belt in one of those tires then it will pull to one side or the other.
I had the same problem with my old BFGs, had it aligned and they said it was fine and the tires were screwed. I put on new tires and it fixed the problem.
Old Jul 15, 2003 | 07:28 AM
  #6  
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more than likely it is the road like shoebox said if your still unsure get your alignment checked that should fix it!
Old Jul 15, 2003 | 07:51 AM
  #7  
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Misaligned belt in one tire can do this. It happens during manufacturing of the tire. This is generally more sensitive on a front tire, so if you put on 4, try swapping one front to rear to see of it helps.
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