Car transport & wheel alignment

NVP · 25 Jun 2010 at 13:24

Can car transport trucks affect wheel alignment?

If your car is attached to either a flat bed or a truck (or whatever is typically used to transport cars) would the way the car is secured affect the wheel alignment?

Hardly worthy of a new thread but I didn't know where else to put it.

SeatIbiza · 25 Jun 2010 at 15:47

I suppose it could if the guy pulled the securing ropes too hard but I think it unlikely...

NVP · 25 Jun 2010 at 17:39

I was mainly concerned with the momentum of the truck causing jolting and/or movements which wouldn't happen from everyday driving but thanks, that's slightly reassuring.

MikeHiow · 25 Jun 2010 at 18:06

I would say if the front wheels were secured independently, then it is very possible.

NVP · 25 Jun 2010 at 19:12

That's less reassuring

Slime101 · 25 Jun 2010 at 19:14

No.

All cars are strapped in the same way these days using the wheel straps, i even have a set for my car trailer. The AA, RAC etc all use them too. Never heard of a single problem with them, cant image it would go unreported if it did cause problems.

Simon · 25 Jun 2010 at 19:22

The jolt of a truck is nothing like hitting a pothole.

NVP · 25 Jun 2010 at 19:26

Nah I'm not talking about BIG problems, just minor alignment issues. I just spent some wedge at BMW for them to do a "proper" KDS alignment so don't want it to all be a waste.

Simon · 25 Jun 2010 at 19:28

The load your suspension is subject just going around a corner will be bigger than going on a car transporter. The only load you are putting into the car is in the direction the suspension is designed to absorb

Conanius · 25 Jun 2010 at 19:34

NVP said:
Nah I'm not talking about BIG problems, just minor alignment issues. I just spent some wedge at BMW for them to do a "proper" KDS alignment so don't want it to all be a waste.

I'll be bold and say the alignment will just be 'within tollerance' and as such any such minor movement would make no difference.

NVP · 25 Jun 2010 at 20:19

Thanks bro, I am once again feeling reassured

... until someone else comes in to tell me it's possible lol

Zuma · 25 Jun 2010 at 21:05

NVP said:
Thanks bro, I am once again feeling reassured ... until someone else comes in to tell me it's possible lol

If he tied the straps around the steering arms then it could bend them and put your tracking out.
he would have to be a moron to do that though

Lethal` · 25 Jun 2010 at 21:45

Take a picture of the car from some distance afterwards, post up here and someone will be able to tell you if your wheel alignment is okay or not