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Has anyone having problems taen their Rondo to a reliable shop that actually specializes in suspensions and has a good computer test jig. Guys that work on race cars or someone of that ilk; not the $10 a wheel brake shops.
At least you'd have a second and more reliable opinion.
Also, are you guys with the pulling having abnormal tire wear; I'd think this would soon show up.
The toe setting is the one that causes tire wear. This is adjustable and has been set on my Rondo. Toe does not normally cause pull. A pulling problem is likely a camber setting, one that is not adjustable on the Rondo.
I appreciate your suggest but I don't think another shop could do much if the camber and caster settings are fixed. Plus, I am not willing to pay out of pocket for a repair that is covered by warranty. Kia may reimburse me but I don't want to go through the hassle. I have a meeting with the regional rep tomorrow. I'll see what he has to say.
From what I can see, all the KIA shops have been ducking the problem, giving lots of excuses, tying up the cars (which sure must be worth someone's time). I'd sure like to really know what the problem is instead of taking their word. An alignment problem between the front and rear end can also cause a problem. I also think anytime a constant steering correction must be used, holding a constant force to keep the vehicle straight, it is going to show up in the tires.
OK - Here is the answer right from the Rondo Shop Manual:
Front Wheels:
Camber and Caster
Camber and Caster are pre-set at the factory, so they do not need to be adjusted. If the camber and caster are not within the standard value, replace or repair the damaged parts and then inspect again.
Rear Wheels:
Camber
Camber is pre-set at the factory, so it does not need to be adjusted. If the camber is not within the standard value, replace or repair the damaged parts and then inspect again.
If KIA says the camber is wrong, their factory solution is to replace parts to make it right. If they say it isn't the camber, then a second opinon is surely in order!
So far, I haven't read that they have ever corrected someones pulling problem.
Met with the regional parts and service manager today. He was really receptive and went for a drive with me and agreed the car was pulling. We returned to the dealer to put the Rondo on the alignment machine to check camber settings. Just my luck one of the sending units on the alignment machine was not reading and an alignment reading could not be made. I have to go back to the dealer when the alignment machine is repaired and the rep is going to attend again.
On the drive to the dealer I notice my right rear window would not operate. They checked that while I was there and the plug for the motor had come loose. That was fixed.
At least the representative is working with me for a solution. If we can find one hopefully it can help the many others with this same issue. Will keep you updated.
You know, this is what frosts me about dealers' service. Their alignment machine doesn't work?? I wonder for how long and how many customers have been charged for an alignment anyway? Kia gets all excited if you don't use their oil filter and have the work done in their shop. Do you think a senior mechanic who cn make bonus working on trannies, engines or electronics is going to change the oil? Heck no, it will be the youngest kid in the shop and he may never have seen a Rondo before.
Sorry, but I just think "Dealer Service" is an oximoron, kind of like "State Maintained Roads" here in Pennsylvania.
But I can't wait to hear the outcome of the factory reps involvement.
The dealership needs a new circuit board on one of the sending units of the alignment machine. Will be about two weeks or more before I can return to the dealer to have the alignment fixed. The rep did offer to do it in Halifax but I work the same hours and those dealerships and with it an hour and a half away it would be too much time away from work.
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