Recently i've noticed my car likes to swerve/shake subtley left to right and it's taking increasing more muscle to move the wheel. Do I need a full balance & alignment? Thanks.

 

First thing is to check your air pressure. Then alignment

 

Yes, start with tire pressure. Then, if you still get a slight oscillation in the steering wheel, check for any missing wheel weights and look into the balance. Usually, you can concentrate on the front wheels as the rears won't be easily noticed if they are unbalanced.
If you get a pull to one side of the other with all your tire pressures correct, then look at alignment.

 

I just did my tire pressure today. it was like 25 psi in both the front and around 40 psi in both the back. I haven't driven the car yet, so i'll have to see.

 

I think 25 psi would make for a bit heavy steering and cause the car to act like a "wandering gypsy".
Oh, and bring those rears down a few lbs. too. And check and set your tire pressures when cold (like after it has sat overnight).

 

dave, i set them to 32psi all around does that sound alright?

 

Try that for a while. That's what Honda recommends but many of us have upped it to 35 psi all around and this has improved tread wear slightly.

 

yep. i'm a convert to 35 psi myself. runs great.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by xviper