Over the last 6 months, I have noticed my ST likes to veer left a bit if I don't hold the wheel dead straight. I am not sure if its worth getting the tracking/alignment checked because I don't know the costs involved or whether I am obligated to pay to have it checked.
Has anyone here had any experience with this and suggest what the best (cheapest) option is? I would prefer to confirm if it is a tracking problem and not road camber but don't won't to spend a fortune finding out (hmmm, I'm a bit of a cheapskate!!!)

Thanks

Tracking and alignment will normally cost 'a couple of pints' if you know the local boys at a tyre centre

It does sound like tracking. Alot of places will check it free of charge. It shouldn't cost anymore than £30 to get it corrected if it's out.

Have a look at your front tyres. If they are weraing un-evenly(sp) it's tracking

Try Elites in Rainham i think it's about £25.

I have asked about this, alot of cars are now set up to do it
Mine does it, something to do with crashing into the hedges rather than an on coming car

I had same problem, check your tyre pressures if there ok then its the tyres that need replacing (bet there P-Zero). Most garages will check your tracking for free, i usually give the guy a drink for the time. Make sure they check as per the ST version not standard Fiesta.

niburu i had mine done at elites and they will check it for free they will give u a graph to tell u what is wrong with it mine came to £30

Cheers for the replies everyone! Glad to hear its not expensive and that it can be checked to see what exactly what the problem is. I will get it looked at on the weekend.

Thanks!!

Another one for the reason of safety, they are set up to avoid a head on.
Also the ST is known to tramline and its due to the really stiff suspension following the camber of the road. This also applies to other cars that I have driven/owned such as the stiff setup in the Civic Type-R and Vauxhall Corsa SRI and a Fabia vRS (especially after I lowered and stiffened the suzzy)

You will know if its tracking, look for uneven tyre wear as its been happening for 6 months now.
My does it and I had the tracking done LAST WEEK after a tyre change.

I wouldnt worry about this unless your car is swerving across the road when you let go, but you would see that a wheel is permanently turned left LOL.

Check for tyre wear, if there is none then dont worry about the tracking too much unless you really want peace of mind. Its the ST and its the suspension being stiff and the camber.

Matt

"Another one for the reason of safety, they are set up to avoid a head on"

Hahha i've heard it all now

mine does this, plus if i hold the wheel straight it will go to the right, in order to go straight the wheel has to turned slightly to the left! its a 58 plate too!

Check tyres for wear and correct pressures.
also road camber makes it pull left.
tracking could be another issue

I get quite bad torque steer sometimes to, its just the crap Uk roads.

Sounds like a complete load of bo**ocks.

I recently had mine tracked and it pulls in a straight line. 40mm tyres are going to react to cambers and tram line worse than others.

Happens to me as well, Mine turns VERY slightly to the left, So small you can barely notice it, I havnt botherd to get it checked as it doesnt really bother me its so small...

but yeah, I get alot of bad torque steer as well

i would only advise tracking if you have either hit something or your tyres have worn unevenly or on one shoulder.

UK roads are aweful the tram tracks mean the pulls on its own or when changing lane it takes a lil more steering to get out of the rut.

also most roads are higher in the centre and slope off. this is most likely for water drainage but also means the car will gradually veer left if you hold the steering dead staight the way to counteract this is by turning slightly too the right. i dont recomend this, but, if you have a clear stretch of road drive on the wrong side and you will find it pulls to the right. Only do it on a quite road where you can clearly see vehicles comming so you can pull back over. dont want to have an accident an have to try explain what happened