Allignment / Geometry Setup

[CarlW]

Hi,

I have recently had new tyres fitted and in my mind i think i need the alignment done as when i drive on a flat road the steering wheel is just off straight..

My questions are:

Is "alignment" and "geometry setup" the same thing as i've seen both these mentioned on the forum and not sure if one is different to the other.

If these are two separate things then what does each of them change?

And the last one is are there and specific "setups" i should look into so when i go to have this done i can ask if the garage can set it up as so, in order to get the best handling / turning / alignment / steering feel.

As you've probably guessed, I'm not very clued up at all when it comes to suspension / steering / alignment and all that so wanted to get some help / answer that i can easily understand with out being so technical.

If this information helps; the car is not lowered on coil overs / springs / air and has no other handling mods such as walk kits / upgraded bushes / upgraded anti roll bars to my knowledge.

Appreciate any help anyone can offer so i understand.

Thanks,
Carl.

[CarlW]

Anyone?.. 

[Viking]

Alignment and geometry setup are essentially different terms for what could be classed as the same thing.  To you and me that is. If you go to a garage and ask if they do alignment then they might say yes and just do tracking, thinking that's probably what you meant. And it isn't really.

If you're going to pay money to have the geometry set up then you really need a place that does it properly. I'd thoroughly recommend Wheels inMotion if you're near Hemel Hempstead/High Wycombe. They have their own forum where you can ask questions beforehand if you wish. Link.

[CarlW]

Alignment and geometry setup are essentially different terms for what could be classed as the same thing.  To you and me that is. If you go to a garage and ask if they do alignment then they might say yes and just do tracking, thinking that's probably what you meant. And it isn't really.

If you're going to pay money to have the geometry set up then you really need a place that does it properly. I'd thoroughly recommend Wheels inMotion if you're near Hemel Hempstead/High Wycombe. They have their own forum where you can ask questions beforehand if you wish. Link.

Thanks Viking unfortunately I'm no where near them as i live in Preston / Darlington so may wait till i go back to Darlington to have the tracking done. At least i know now that there is more to it than just the tracking as you've said above

[jason_rmh]

Carl, I would goto gnj Motorsport down Blackburn way. They are used by a few forum members up our way.
I'm going to them so for wheel alignment. I'm sure they can answer you're questions and are recommended.

Jas

[CarlW]

Carl, I would goto gnj Motorsport down Blackburn way. They are used by a few forum members up our way.
I'm going to them so for wheel alignment. I'm sure they can answer you're questions and are recommended.

Jas

Spot on will no doubt have a look up there soon then.. Thanks

[Viking]

There's a couple of places in Middlesbrough/Stockton that are recommended on the local VAG forum.