Since the day I bought my car a 2011 Kizashi it puled to the drivers side. I returned to the dealership three times to have them realign it. Each time they showed me the computer print out that showed that the care was aligned.
At low speeds its not overly noticeable but at highway seeds its very apparent. I travel on the highway at about 80MPH and at that speed I am down right fighting the wheel.
This week I declared the issue must be my tires. Almost out of tread anyway I decided it was time. I invested in four brand new Eagle GTA's they came with a free front wheel alignment and I paid for the four wheel. The print out showed that the front was in line before and after they made adjustments but the rear wheels where way out. AH HA! that must have been the problem. Excited to get on the road and let go of my wheel I raced to the highway only to find that the car pulls exactly the same as it did before.
I have tested in and out of AWD with the same results.
Anyone else having this issue?
I am trying to remain positive about this car but I am accruing a list of issues that should not occur on a "luxury" car and I am strongly considering selling it.
Pulling to the drivers side!
Ask around your home town and try to find a better alignment shop. A good alignment shop should be able to correct the problem. In spec or not it sounds like something is out of alignment. No accidents correct? A slightly bent frame could cause the problem.
Computer's are not the end-all-be-all gods of everything. An out of calibration, or even damaged, alignment rack can easily cause this. The print-out wouldn't indicate such an anomaly now would it? Find another shop.
Another thing, it's been my experience after 4 alignments that the best driving results on my GTS is that all adjustment indicators need to be spot on dead-center of the adjustment ranges on a calibrated rack. Within the "OK Green" ranges simply doesn't cut it for the best overall driving experience. Right now I'm on a modified adjustment from a shop that really knows suspensions as an experiment. It's handling well and holding the corners tightly, but is very 'twitchy' for everyday driving with little to no steering input.
Another thing, it's been my experience after 4 alignments that the best driving results on my GTS is that all adjustment indicators need to be spot on dead-center of the adjustment ranges on a calibrated rack. Within the "OK Green" ranges simply doesn't cut it for the best overall driving experience. Right now I'm on a modified adjustment from a shop that really knows suspensions as an experiment. It's handling well and holding the corners tightly, but is very 'twitchy' for everyday driving with little to no steering input.
Ron
2010 Kizashi GTS, CVT, iAWD (3/10 build date)
2011 SX4 Premium Hatch, CVT, iAWD (12/10 build date)
2018 Mazda CX-5 iAWD Touring
2014 Wrangler JKUW (GONE, traded
)
1991 Samurai, 5-Speed, EFI, Soft-Top (
sold)
2010 Kizashi GTS, CVT, iAWD (3/10 build date)
2011 SX4 Premium Hatch, CVT, iAWD (12/10 build date)
2018 Mazda CX-5 iAWD Touring
2014 Wrangler JKUW (GONE, traded
) 1991 Samurai, 5-Speed, EFI, Soft-Top (
sold)The best all-around alignment I had was done by my long-time mechanic at the local GMC dealer in New Holland right after they installed a brand new rack. Their old one had issues from too much non-alignment type work being done on it. Much to my disappointment, he's no longer there and working at an auction house where I don't have access to him. I won't recommend the GMC dealer now that he's gone. I no longer use them myself.
The latest experimental one was done at a restoration and collision shop I was referred to by the foreman of the new garage I'm using that does not have their own rack yet. Told the guy what it was doing and about the issues Kiz's seem to have with tires wearing funny. We went for a spirited ride (he drove) and made some adjustments outside of the 'published' settings. Not comfortable enough yet with them to issue a 'recommendation', especially since it would be a huge trip for you to make. Maybe after another alignment with positive results. Come the end of summer, I'd like them to get it dialed back in dead-nuts like my old mechanic had at the GMC dealer...that one took him a long time, but it was as perfect as it could get and drove better than it did new. Sadly, the worst alignment I had done was at the Zuk dealer in Frazer (you know the place). Other than that, they've been doing well for me on general zuk warranty work and inspections. Performing alignments isn't for everyone, some mechanics will admit hating the task. Some vehicles take a lot of effort, the Kiz being one IMHO, and dealers usually can't afford the time to get some cars set right.
The latest experimental one was done at a restoration and collision shop I was referred to by the foreman of the new garage I'm using that does not have their own rack yet. Told the guy what it was doing and about the issues Kiz's seem to have with tires wearing funny. We went for a spirited ride (he drove) and made some adjustments outside of the 'published' settings. Not comfortable enough yet with them to issue a 'recommendation', especially since it would be a huge trip for you to make. Maybe after another alignment with positive results. Come the end of summer, I'd like them to get it dialed back in dead-nuts like my old mechanic had at the GMC dealer...that one took him a long time, but it was as perfect as it could get and drove better than it did new. Sadly, the worst alignment I had done was at the Zuk dealer in Frazer (you know the place). Other than that, they've been doing well for me on general zuk warranty work and inspections. Performing alignments isn't for everyone, some mechanics will admit hating the task. Some vehicles take a lot of effort, the Kiz being one IMHO, and dealers usually can't afford the time to get some cars set right.
Ron
2010 Kizashi GTS, CVT, iAWD (3/10 build date)
2011 SX4 Premium Hatch, CVT, iAWD (12/10 build date)
2018 Mazda CX-5 iAWD Touring
2014 Wrangler JKUW (GONE, traded )
1991 Samurai, 5-Speed, EFI, Soft-Top ( sold)
2010 Kizashi GTS, CVT, iAWD (3/10 build date)
2011 SX4 Premium Hatch, CVT, iAWD (12/10 build date)
2018 Mazda CX-5 iAWD Touring
2014 Wrangler JKUW (GONE, traded
) 1991 Samurai, 5-Speed, EFI, Soft-Top (
sold)Which lane do you travel in? Left hand (fast) lane? If so, it will most always pull to the left as that is how the crown of the road sits. Try the center/travel lane and see if it still pulls.
2019 Kia Optima EX Premium
Instagram: golftango
Instagram: golftango
Did you buy the car used or brand new? As Moto stated, a bent frame from an accident may cause an irreparable pull.
Also, have you had the wheel bearings and the suspension thoroughly checked?
Also, have you had the wheel bearings and the suspension thoroughly checked?
2025 Mazda CX-50 Preferred Hybrid
2011 Suzuki Kizashi Sport GTS 6MT (Sold)
2011 Suzuki Kizashi Sport GTS 6MT (Sold)
I drive in both lanes. If your comment was fact wouldn't it pull to the right when you are in the right hand lane because of the crown of the road? In both lanes it pulls to the drivers side.golftango wrote:Which lane do you travel in? Left hand (fast) lane? If so, it will most always pull to the left as that is how the crown of the road sits. Try the center/travel lane and see if it still pulls.
Anyone wanna buy a 2011 with 31K miles on it?
Ice blue, loaded brand new (all the same size) Eagle GTA's, Auto.