Go Back   EcoModder Forum > EcoModding > General Efficiency Discussion
Register Now
 Register Now
 

Reply  Post New Thread
 
Submit Tools LinkBack Thread Tools
Old 03-11-2013, 08:07 AM   #1 (permalink)
Master EcoModder
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: NY state
Posts: 501

XJ Cherokee - '00 Jeep Cherokee Sport
90 day: 12.96 mpg (US)

FoFO - '11 Ford Focus SE
90 day: 36.78 mpg (US)
Thanks: 1
Thanked 51 Times in 38 Posts
Proved Again - Alignment Makes a HUGE Difference!

The last few months or so, the steering has felt "funny" on the Jeep and the gas mileage has been going down. A lot. Usually it's 17-20, and I've been getting a solid 13.

Driving to my parents, I used 6.5 gallons of gas. It's a 75 mile drive. I hopped on the Thruway, went 60 and had a slight tail wind. The outside of the front tires was warm ... but both tires were warm from scuffing.

When I got to my parents, I decided to align it. Going off road is hard on steering components and keeping something that's off roaded in alignment is nearly impossible unless you check the alignment after every trip.

Unfortunately, the "funny" steering is caused by lower ball joints that are set up (common on Cherokees).

The alignment was out by a long shot. The front of my 31'' tires were 1'' narrower than the rear. I'm not sure of the exact angles, but they were pretty bad. I left them toed out 1/16''.

The drive back, I made sure to drive it a bit harder. 65MPH and a slight headwind on the interstate, took off hard from intersections. Ended up using 4 gallons of gas on the way back.

It's amazing how much alignment matters.

  Reply With Quote
The Following 3 Users Say Thank You to Miller88 For This Useful Post:
markweatherill (03-11-2013), MetroMPG (03-11-2013), Piwoslaw (03-11-2013)
Alt Today
Popular topics

Other popular topics in this forum...

   
Old 03-11-2013, 11:32 AM   #2 (permalink)
...beats walking...
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: .
Posts: 6,190
Thanks: 179
Thanked 1,525 Times in 1,126 Posts
..."rolling" wheels work MUCH better than "dragging/scuffing" wheels.

  Reply With Quote
Reply  Post New Thread


Thread Tools




Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
Content Relevant URLs by vBSEO 3.5.2
All content copyright EcoModder.com