Alignment

[Toobuku]

Originally Posted by drk

Thumper,

May I suggest you try to talk your dealer into putting it on the rack and checking the alignment? I took my service advisor for a drive. His stated standard was that if it deviates from a lane (straight level road) in less than about 7 seconds (depending on speed) it should be looked into. He saw that mine was clearly deviating almost immediately. In addition my steering wheel was cocked ever so slightly to the left when going straight (probably to compensate). My service advisor arranged for a rental car and made sure I was taken care of.

I imagine that most Honda dealers want to keep new Ridge owners happy. If the word gets out that the Ridge is not well built, or that Honda is not taking care of Ridge owners I imagine sales would suffer on this untested vehicle. As I see it, we have some leverage which we should apply judiciously. This of course is predicated on your dealer being customer service oriented, which mine is. I recently wrote a well deserved letter to my service advisor's supervisor commending him for his attention to professionalism and service. This probably did not hurt our relationship and the degree to which he makes sure that I am happy.

Drk makes a valid point. I use to drive school buses and that was a test we conducted once we left the yard before our first pick up. If it deviates from a lane (straight level road) in less than about 7 seconds (depending on speed) it should be looked into.

[KoozJohn]

I purchased a Ridgeline RTS on 3/6/06. I regret buying the truck. It's been in Service 5 times for alignment problems and the rack&pinion to be replaced. To this day, the truck is still pulling to the left. I am so frustrated here. I kicked and screamed to the regional district manager of honda by me to terminate the lease. But of course, it did not happen. I want out BIG TIME. Anyone have any ideas. Lemon Law??

John

[AdCast7]

I talked to Honda about that and said all Hondas pull slightly to the right!!!

[RJPerset]

Most FWD's pull to the right SLIGHTLY, its something with the torque. If its excessive it needs to be checked. Most new cars only get a rough spec. front end alignment from the factory. You will normally see some tire wear (and you might also notice your steering wheel is off center from not centering the steering wheel during this rough alignment), before 15000 miles. Most dealers won't honor a free front end alignment, usually citing you hit a pot hole or some other BS.

[paulmooney]

This TSB may be of interest...

New TSB - Steering Pulls Left or Right 06-068

[RRIDER]

Originally Posted by AdCast7

I talked to Honda about that and said all Hondas pull slightly to the right!!!

I believe a Honda service adviser would tell you that. But it's not true...I was running 70-75 MPH on a newly paved, and straight section of the freeway last week. I let go of the steering wheel for several seconds to see if it would pull either way at all....It went perfectly straight. Even local and city driving, I haven't noticed any pulling or drifting whatsoever.

So if that IS true...Something must be wrong with my Ridgeline....

[RidgeDOC]

Originally Posted by AdCast7

I talked to Honda about that and said all Hondas pull slightly to the right!!!

Yeah I think he was pulling your leg. First thing I said when the honda rep called after purchase was that it pulled, but I believe mine was to the left. Steering wheel to compensate had to be tilted to right. Two days later got a call from my dealership with a call to bring it in. Sure enough the front left was out of alignment. They did an alignment at no cost to me, and I am very satisfied. If this is not your experience then dump your dealer! You see mine was a dealer trade and my dealer did not do the first inspection. Another one did and it was signed off as straight in the service manual! Just to show not all dealers are equal. Find a good one.