GEN 2 Steering alignment off or road crown?

[mhermann80]

Have a brand new 2020 Raptor. 2000 miles on it so far and have had TWO alignments on it. First problem right off the lot was a steering wheel that was not centered (had to hold it to the right to drive straight... a very confusing feeling considering road crown should make you hold it slightly left if anything). Ford tried to align it, did nothing, took it to a separate shop, they fixed it. Now, about 800 miles later, I'm noticing I really have to steer into a crown of a road. Even on what would seem like a flat road, the wheel is sometimes 1/2" - 1" to the left and it's driving me crazy. Is this normal for the truck? I came from a mustang to the truck so I know there should be some differences in steering, but is this normal? Do you drive with the wheel centered and straight, or do you have it turned into the crown when driving? I know PDC is enabled because I haven't adjusted anything there. I'm wondering if maybe road crown effect is just exaggerated in this truck because of the wide stance, or if I am holding the wheel straight and the truck is angled to the right slightly giving some illusion...

Let me know your thought/experiences! Anything would be greatly appreciated.

 

[NASSTY]

I barely even notice a crown in the road in my Raptor.
However, driving my 92 Bronco on crowned roads feels like your getting a workout.

 

[RaptorFun]

I’d recommend you take it back to the “separate shop” that got it right for you. They should warranty their work. Perhaps...something wasn’t tightened sufficiently.

Good Luck!

 

[Oldfart]

That is definitely not normal for these trucks. I'm frequently on poorly maintained roads with a lot of crown and my truck steers like a good quality car. Something isn't right. Maybe try a different dealer that has a better service department?

What tire pressures are you running? I've been running 36 front, 34 rear, and it works very well.

 

[CoronaRaptor]

As @Oldfart said, check your tire pressure, sounds like they may be over inflated.

 

[V6Raptor]

I don’t know how roads are in other states but I’m definitely experiencing the same thing as you are in my ‘19 on California freeways.

With 38 PSI on all four, I notice my steering wheel slightly to the right when in the far left lane on the freeway. On the local streets however, it’s pretty much straight.

I’ve also taken mine in for an alignment around 5k and it was slightly off. Took it again around 8k and the passenger front was off. I had a reputable alignment shop also check it out around the 5k mark and we looked underneath together, inspected all four corners and nothing was bent, leaking, etc.

 

[GCATX]

Maybe try rotating the tires front to back and adjust pressures, like oldfart said. Perhaps there was some weird tire wear going on the first 2k miles? Also check the pressures with a hand held gauge and make sure one tire isn't low.

 

[mhermann80]

I barely even notice a crown in the road in my Raptor.
However, driving my 92 Bronco on crowned roads feels like your getting a workout.

Good to know! Thanks for the reply

 

[mhermann80]

I’d recommend you take it back to the “separate shop” that got it right for you. They should warranty their work. Perhaps...something wasn’t tightened sufficiently.

Good Luck!

I was wondering this, or possibly there is a component that is defective, as it seems to be ok for a while, then revert back (after each time it's been "fixed" now). Thanks!

 

[mhermann80]

That is definitely not normal for these trucks. I'm frequently on poorly maintained roads with a lot of crown and my truck steers like a good quality car. Something isn't right. Maybe try a different dealer that has a better service department?

What tire pressures are you running? I've been running 36 front, 34 rear, and it works very well.

I'm definitely going to look for another opinion again. Interesting... I've heard others using less than recommended pressure. Wondering if I should try it. I'm running 38 psi cold front and back, though in the heat lately its gone much higher.