Farayolas: @gabrielli
well since you said the wheel alignment have been done and your vehicle is still problematic,then it might likely be due to misalign chasis.

md_autotec: Hello.
Wheel balancing will not fix this problem.

Since your the vehicle was first functioning fine before replacing the wheel hubs and tie rods, get a qualified mechanic to remove the wheel hubs and check the bearing. This vehicle uses a removable one piece (permanent) bearing that should always be removed and installed by a hub press rather than a hammer. Failure to do so may deform the wheel hub unit. At the same time have the old original (faulty I assume) wheel hubs present to confirm they are identical to the replacement ones. I assume your mechanic has fixed fairly used wheel hubs.

Even a slight difference in hub position will throw off the alignment measurement because if the mounting hole on the steering knuckle where the tie rod tightens is pushed forward or backward (positive or negative caster) the factory designed tie rod cannot fit, it will seem to be the wrong length. There may be a possibility your mechanic may have used a different length tie rod to compensate. All this will amount to abnormal tire wear you are complaining of.

Incorrect wheel hubs will change the positive caster (alignment measurement) setting to negative. This in the will not allow the steering wheel to return to its position by default once the steering is released. All vehicles suspensions systems on today's roads have a positive caster setting applied from factory. This is the reason why the steering wheel returns without guidance.

Since you do not have any engine performance issues I am not in a position to say what exactly your mechanic did, but it sounds to me that there may be a possibility of binding causing drag (wheel bearing, incorrect hub). This places more load on the engine; hence the excess fuel consumption issue.

Try any amount of wheel alignment it will not solve your issue. The geometry of your suspension is out of manufacturer's specification. Get a good tech to tear down the front wheel hub/knuckle assembly, check all components replaced, including all the ball joints. Do have all your old components replaced present for comparison. Once checked and rectified, perform another wheel alignment and balance. Keep your tire pressure (cold) at 32 psi. All your issues will be resolved.

It should be relatively straight forward to diagnose and rectify!

Hope this helps!

Good luck!

gabrieli:



Thanks very much for your indept analysis, i will be going to a mechanic in a couple of days, i will report back to the house so that others can pick one or two things from it