Wheel alignment?

[Cemetery]

Posted this elsewhere but not had many replies

I am pretty sure I need to get my wheels aligned. When the steering wheel is centered the car heads off to the right a bit so to go straight the mitsu badge on the wheel needs to be pointing a bit to the left. I have also noticed under heavyish breaking the car is pulling strongly to the left which I assume would be another sign.

Now, the brakes themselves are seeming somewhat pants at the moment so I am guessing I will need new ones soon on the front, I am also not a million miles away from needing new tyres on the front.

The questions:

1) If I got my wheels aligned and then a month or so down the road got my brakes done or front tyres replaced, would that undo the worth of the wheel alignment in the 1st place?

2 Does each of the above points suggest I need it? I have assumed so but really am not mechanically minded so not sure if it might just need tracking sorted or if something else may make it pull to the left.

3)I have noticed over uneven ground the steering wheel tries to turn (often over a 3rd) without much resistance meaning I have to really hold on so to speak to stay on track. Would a wheel alignment sort this out or is it likely to be something else?

4) How much does laser alignment normally cost?

 

[Dorje]

Could be a number of things; the alignment to sort tracking as you say, could also be a sticky caliper which you should be able to check yourself, or even a wheel bearing which needs replacing.

Getting the alignment done is always a good idea anyway as not only does it help with tracking, it will reduce tyre wear also. A sticky brake caliper is fairly easy to check yourself. Wheel bearings can be relatively costly compared to the other possible faults here and usually require a garage to fit and replace.

You can always go to a garage just to let them find what is at fault and decide what to do from there.

And no, you won't need realignment 1/2 months after it being done and getting new tyres or brakes.

 

[Cemetery]

Any idea on the cost?

 

[Dorje]

Alignment checks are free usually, to sort anything out usually £20-£30. 4 wheel laser £50+, and the whole works including camber etc... nearer to a £100 from a reputable place.

Wheel bearings depend on the car and labour rates.

Best of just getting it to a garage you trust and ask for a diagnosis and quote to repair.