Wales
by Joske Vermeule, September 1
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Joined: Jul 2016
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I recently picked up my M3W from an annual service with my dealer. On the drive home, I noticed a pull to the right that I don’t recall. Tire pressures were even, nothing visually amiss. I have even been inspecting for frame cracks, since that has been such a worry on this site. So obviously I need to check alignment. I have seen methods including the string approach (but that seems harder given the lack of two rear wheels to use as a reference) and the “attach boards” approach...just posting to see what the rest of you do.
Aka Joejoe
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Other than setting the toe-in, there is no adjustable alignment for the front end.
"Pull" to one side can be caused by non matching caster, and to a lesser degree by non matching camber, neither of which is adjustable on the M3W. Also might simply be road camber or side winds. (I've notice my car seems fairly susceptible to cross winds).
Last edited by Bitsobrits; 02/11/18 01:43 AM.
Steve Late 2012 M3W
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My car had a strong pull to the right since new.
I’ve experimented a lot with the rear-wheel alignment, but it did not fix the issue.
Eventually, I’ve found out the front caster values were off by several degrees. Had to purchase the Krazy Horse suspension kit to fix it ( AKA Empire kit). Drives straight now!
2016 M3W, Army Green Matte/Tan Leather, 17k miles
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Hi Joejoe
I clamp 2 6' spirit levels to the front discs and measure between them.
Another method is to use 2 lengths of copper tube, one across the front of the engine and the other across the rear number plate with some fishing line between. Then measure from the fishing line to the wheel rim.
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If your dealer has adjusted the drive belt on the service I would agree with Red Three and check the rear wheel alignment. There are a number of ways of doing this but I use a laser level that seems to be quite accurate. Details should be in this link: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/s1zbixrncuszthu/AACXY-toT9wTHFyiOarOml83a?dl=0
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I think I posted this up before, it's a quick and rough sketch showing what I found to be the easiest way to adjust the alignment. I'd spent quite a bit of time with a variety of measuring devices, plumb bobs, lasers and a very large vernier caliper to persuade myself that my swingarm was the same length on both sides from the pivot bearing centreline to the farthest forward part of the spindle carrier cutaway. I never actually measure the gap shown as such but just use a small set of internal spring calipers to feel for the same gap both sides. Hope it makes sense. 
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I appreciate the feedback; the rear may be the culprit; there was a belt adjustment done.
Aka Joejoe
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Well...I checked the rear per Calum’s post and all is correct there. I then did front tie rod adjustment and adjusted to zero toe in. And....still a pull. I do feel it is coming from the front...on a flat street, even at minimal speed or cruise, the wheel and front start turning to the right almost immediately. May need to see what our my dealer’s wizard thinks.
Aka Joejoe
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Next thought could be that the steering rack sits off centre when the wheels are straight ahead. There is a surprising number of mechanics that do all of the alignment adjustment on one track rod, randomly selected rather than centring the rack and getting things even. P.s. also check for chassis rail cracks!
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