Help! My Toe Is Frozen

[russellc]

I need advise on something.

I got new Bridgestone Potenza RE92 tires today from a place that sells tires and wheels called Town Fair Tire, in the area where I live.

I had the tires installed and the guy there recommended a full front and rear alignment. It cost almost $50.00 with four new tires, which is cheaper than having the alignment done by itself. So I agreed to have them do it. I haven't had an alignment done at all since I got the car, almost two years ago.

Anyways when my car was ready, the guy there said that they couldn't do the alignment because my front toe was frozen. I think he said the bolts are so rusted that they couldn't loosen them and I have to go to an auto repair shop to have them loosen the bolts, but he recommended that I not go to the dealer, because they might charge me a lot. After I have this done I could bring the car back to have the alignment done. The problem is that I already paid for alignment and they haven't even done it yet.

First of all, do I even need a rear alignment done on the car? I read in an earlier post this year that it isn't necessary to do a rear allignment for the 1st. Gen. Insight. They do a front allignment for free with the purchase of 4 tires. Also, should I have these bolts replaced and where do I get them?

Thank you all for your help with this issue I am trying to solve.

Russ

[Willie Williford]

Don't have the tools?
If there is no abnormal tire wear, no alignment is needed.
My 2001 with over 289K miles has never been to the alignment shop.
They probably suggest an alignment because the outside and inside of the front tires were wearing more than the center. THIS IS NORMAL.

HTH
Willie

[gilbertguy]

You can try soaking the toe nuts for awhile with WD-40 or some other penatrating oil. If they are still stuck hit them with a torch for a little bit and see if that breaks them loose.

Yes, most cars use the 4 wheel alignment, rear wheels need to track proplerly with the front or it can cause issues. How does your car track going down the road, does it drift or pull left or right or stay straight?

[russellc]

I believe the car drifts to the left a little. I didn't really inspect the tires I replaced for any unusual wear. I still have the older tires because these are good for at least 10000 more miles.

[02insight]

here are 2 previous threads on the same issue:

Tie rod adjuster

URGENT: frozen tie rods on 2000 Insight

[Aaron Cake]

I'd be worried about any alignment shop that can't loosen a tie rod end jam nut. This is a standard part of all alignments and 90% of vehicles are going to need some effort to loosen them up.

[russellc]

Originally Posted by Aaron Cake

I'd be worried about any alignment shop that can't loosen a tie rod end jam nut. This is a standard part of all alignments and 90% of vehicles are going to need some effort to loosen them up.

Yeah I know. I think I'm going to ask for a refund and just have the alignment done at the dealer I usually go to. The guy at the tire place recommended that I go to this auto shop not far from the place, but I don't trust that advise now.

I just hope the dealer doesn't charge me a lot.

Thanks,

Russ

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[russellc]

Originally Posted by 02insight

here are 2 previous threads on the same issue:

Tie rod adjuster

URGENT: frozen tie rods on 2000 Insight

Thanks... I looked at these threads a little bit, but will read more later.


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