Just got a full front end re-alignment and the 96 XJ still steers just very slightly right after I took it back and asked them to look at it again.

Is there some way this amateur mechanic can adjust my steering slightly more to the left by just tweaking some screw or nut in my steering set up?

Thanks

Personally, if you have had a front-end alignment, I would go back to them with the complaint.

Keep in mind, a front end alignment will adjust the steering geometry to factory specs.

You still have two variables that are not fully addressed.

1 -- tire balance. normally, this should not affect the steering geometry; however, and unbalanced tire could give the sensation of a pull to one side.

2 -- road characteristics. This is the more probable cause of a sensation of pulling, especially to the right. Keep in mind that many roads are constructed with a crown that is necessary to channel water runoff to the sides. it is not uncommon to find a section of road has a high crown (higher in the center than on the sides) which will force the vehicle steering to the right.

So, under factory specs for steering geometry with properly balanced tires, you should be able to maintain a straight line steer on most roads. A slight pull to the right could be experienced if the road does have a high center crown.

My question is, WHO did the so-called alignment? The ONLY people that ever touch my alignment are the factory folks. If I have a Jeep, Chevy, Ford or whatever... The DEALERS are the folks that stand to lose if they do a bad job on the front end.
Tire stores stand to GAIN if the tires wear quickly.. Dealers stand to lose from unhappy customers. So I'd take it to a dealer and if the alignment needs adjustment, I'd take the bill back to the original place..
Big JIm <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" />

Try to find a perfectly flat road. Sometimesthe center of a two lane road will be more flat than either side. (Only drive the center if it's legal and safe). If the Jeep is still drifting right, then the first thing to do is swap the tires side to side. If the pull does not change, then most likely it is the alignment. The Jeep XJ Dana 30 does not allow for camber changes, and since it is a solid axle. caster can only be changed the same amount on both sides at the same time. There is a replacement ball joint set for the later models that does allow for caster and/or camber changes, but you must have the current angles measurement (Should be on the aignment machine printout from the alignment shop)to judge where to adjust for a like cross caster or for a camber adjustment to get rid of the pull. There is a Jeep Technical Service Bulletin (TSB)with the preferred specs that are used to compensate for a slight pull or drift.

Note: The normal jeep road crown drift, which will happen in either direction if the alignment is at spec can also be compensated for by using the offset ball joints, but once you get back on a flat road it will pull slightly the opposite way.

Jim, you kill me!
Dealers being the only one qualified to align a jeep with a solid axle? To be perfectly frank there is a reason why they say there is a smart end and a dumb end of a tape measure. To most alignment shops including dealers, they will only "adjust" toe setting anyway. Resetting steering wheel straight goes without saying..A jeep with a slight pull to one side...brake caliper hanging, tire pressure/or rotation, bent housing, worn steering or suspension parts, rear axle out of alignment via thrust angle...are all possible causes that most of the time are never even looked at during a routine alignment.If it pulled sometimes to one side, then other times to the other side I'd look for toe to be off.
1/8" in is the industry standard...a tape measure can test toe, track bar axle centering, basic thrust angle, rear axle and front axle square in relation to the frame..
Don't expect that kind of attention from an alignment shop.
A tire store would never mess up your alignment to sell tires..that would be madness. Any business that wants more business will try and do a good job...

SD