If I could, i'd return my 2008 ridgeline

[Dominator]

I called and spoke to the actual mechanic who worked on it last (the alignment guy). He said that there's no way it was the tie rods and that if its pulling to the right and I go over a bump and it went away, "he bet" that by just jerking the wheel to the left would do the same thing. I forget what he called it but he made it sound like it was normal and that the pilot did the same thing. Regardless, I told him that something is not right and I had a week off next week and would be in. I told him I wanted to go for a ride with him before he brought it in. Hopefully no traffic jams on highway etc. He said if there's a ridge in the lot we'll take it out and compare. I said that would be ideal, as I'm only comparing it to every other vehicle I've ever driven and I've driven a lot worse but the problem is that right now I've driven a lot better also and I don't think that should be true, steering wise that is. I also mentioned the possability of a loose belt in a tire and he said they can check that when its on the hoist.

When my mechanic did the cross rotation he noticed parts had been marked (as in magic marker), I guess to see if they've moved if I go back. The quick glance I took, everything looked like it was lined up with the marks that they made.

Minnesnowta I'm not sure about torque-steer, if I understand you correctly that's only an issue when starting from a stop which is the least of my problems (I think) unless its related.

To bad I don't know any other ridge owners around me or I'd ask them to take it out for comparison to their own. Actually, there a ridge owner at a local canadian tire store, I might stop by this weekend and ask for a favour.

[OwnerCS]

Howdy Dom -

When I first purchased my 06 Ridge I noticed a slight but annoying pull to the left -- like my old Explorer did when it had those infamous Firestone Wilderness HT tires that may have caused roll-over. I thought this left pull could be dangerous if I should ever fall asleep while driving as the car would drive into the oncoming lane of traffic. I wanted the Ridge to have a slight pull to the right on straight roads with a crown and to go perfectly straight on flat straight roads.

So I've had good luck with a Midas Muffler that is close to my work and reasonable in price. I took the Ridge to Midas and requested alignment for all 4 wheels. The mechanic said when the Ridge was in complete spec, there was no slight pull to the right as I requested. He had to deviate slightly from the spec to get what I wanted and that he agreed with my request.
He said he had to adjust and drive the Ridge 3 times to get it right.
When I drove the car home that evening, it drove like a different vehicle -- much better than before. So I am pleased with how it drives now. The slight right drift is what I expect when driving on a road with a crown slope to the right. I realize my success was provided by a dedicated mechanic who took the time to drive and adjust until it gave the right driving feel. Not all Midas stores are like the one I use. I wanted to share this experience as I believe it is possible to get a Ridge in alignment so it gives the correct driving feel even if there has to be some slight deviation from the published spec.

[VoicesInMyHead]

Originally Posted by OwnerCS

I realize my success was provided by a dedicated mechanic who took the time to drive and adjust until it gave the right driving feel.

Totally hear ya! There is only 1 tech I allow to work on my v-twin (if I'm not doing it), and when I had my Wing, it had a single tech I allowed to work on it's flat 6.

I simply want integrity, dedication and honesty. I don't mind paying for work to be done, but I demand it be done right without cutting any corners. I guess being on only 2 wheels for so long, I demanded the best to stay alive. I was doing 25K miles a year, so lackadaisical work could kill me.

I have yet to find that person for my ridge. Keep in touch with that mechanic, OwnerCS!

[smroycro]

My truck pulls to the right, they put it on the stand, said the alignment is perfect, drive on it for a while, let us know. Next oil change, I told them it still pulled to the right. When I returned to pick up the truck and they told me they took it for a test drive and found nothing wrong and did nothing, I made it clear that was an unacceptable answer. I ended up driving with a mechanic they touted as one of their best...he agreed it pulled to the right. He suggested we swap tires and give it a while. Well, now it is nearing time for oil change again. This time, I will call in advance, make an appointment with the service manager and set specific expectations as to what constitutes a fix on this. The last time I came in, I printed out a dozen pages from posts from others on the ROC with the pulling to the right problems (and even pointed out some people's were fixed with cross rotating tires) as well as the TSB. Bottom line is that my truck still pulls to the right and the next time I take it in, they will perform the TSB, take apart the front end, do a voodoo spell, or whatever is necessary to fix the pulling to the right problem. If I can't get an agreement from the service manager prior to me bringing the truck in for servicing that they will do everything necessary to fix the problem, I will kindly let him know the decision will now be elevated above his level to someone else within Honda hierarchy.

On an unrelated side note, last time I was in, I requested they perform the TSB on the cupholder neoprene "fingers" as I didn't want mine to rip. I was told that unless there was a problem, they would not change...I didn't feel this was a point to argue over given I had bigger problems (pulling to the right being my #1). Wouldn't you know...two weeks later, two of the fingers rip! Life happens, of course those will get fixed on the next visit.

Good luck with your truck and accept nothing less than a correct fix.

[rdharper]

Originally Posted by smroycro

The last time I came in, I printed out a dozen pages from posts from others on the ROC with the pulling to the right problems (and even pointed out some people's were fixed with cross rotating tires) as well as the TSB.

Good luck with your truck and accept nothing less than a correct fix.

I checked Alldata, and indeed there is a TSB... a quite lengthy procedure. It is listed as:

TSB06-068 10/04/07 Steering - Vehicle Pulls/Drifts to the Left/Right

The background listed... written for the repair tech:

New tools were developed to help you diagnose and correct a pulling and/or steering wheel off-center issue. There is a diagnosis worksheet included to take on your test-drive and record your findings. These values are used to build the 15-digit DTC (diagnostic trouble code) that is required for your warranty claim. The last step in each repair procedure helps you create the correct code.

The procedure (as I skim read it) shows several tools to measure the drift under various conditions.

Followed by a step-by-step process to find the cause... which seems to go to tires, toe-in, camber, frame... etc.

Covered in warranty, and under the "good-will" coverage policy.

So that is the TSB number (above), and the date.

There does not seem to be drive train related issues for this problem.. just the usual stuff any vehicle can encounter. And Honda makes available a special set of measurement tools specifically for the Ridge.

[RidgeLI]

Hang in there. I had issues post delivery that got me upset as well.

Had the dreaded cabin leak, wet carpet! Also had to have the hood repainted due to white blemish in paint. I am very happy over two years later!

RidgeLI

[rdharper]

My dealer is owned by Penske... the Captain. The guy is tough.... and knows how to run a business.

Have you seen his racing facility used for developing his race cars? Unbelievable. If memory serves.. 440,000 sq. ft. of nothing but design and development space.

I caught it last Sunday on a fill-in for the rained out (second) Indy qualification day.

Just thinking out loud here... wondering if the way he does things is part of the reason I have zero problems... at least so far. The check list used before delivery was unbelievable. Checks... and rechecks.

Go Penske.

[BILLIEGTO]

I Had The Same Problem. After About A 2 Weeks Of This The Dealer Replaced The Tires And Rims. Problem Was Fixed. They Said It Was Probably Steel Belts Seperating From Tires. I Am Happy Since It Was Fixed.