Wheel alignment and ADAS

[MDubyaB]

Our x5 could do with getting its alignment done and I’m hearing conflicting views on needing to get the ADAS calibrated.
Seems to me the wheels pointing in the right direction would be a good thing as one would assume that’s how they were when it was calibrated before.

I’m confused…

[MDubyaB]

Anyone???

[pmorg4]

If the rear wheel alignment is adjusted (mainly toe) then any assistance systems should probably be recalibrated as the rear wheels are effectively the reference for the ADAS calibration. If just the fronts need to be adjusted you don’t need to recalibrate the ADAS.

[MDubyaB]

But if the wheels are returned to the direction they should be pointing and were when it was last calibrated how is that the case?

[stevemcs]

It’s recommended that if you have the wheel alignment adjusted that you should get the Adas recalibrated, however I’ve not seen any that have thrown up an issue yet, if it’s adjusted and throws up a warning then you will need to get it done. It’s normally more of an issue with some cars when you have windscreens replaced.

Adas prices vary but the last time we had a car done it was £200 plus vat and he was on site for 15 minutes.

[MDubyaB]

But if the wheels are returned to the direction they should be pointing and were when it was last calibrated how is that the case?

[pmorg4]

MDubyaB said:

But if the wheels are returned to the direction they should be pointing and were when it was last calibrated how is that the case?

Correct, but that’s if you can be completely sure if the wheels are pointing in exactly the same place as they were before calibration of the sensor, which isn’t always the case. If it works I wouldn’t worry about it, but the official guidance is to recalibrate. Wheel calibration is pretty rough and ready and doesn’t need to be particularly precise. Sensor calibration is pretty precise in comparison, you’re turning a pretty finely pitched screw on a sensor sitting on a freely moving ball and socket, whereas suspension components are huge chunky weight bearing things so there’s a limit to how precisely you can adjust things.

Edited by pmorg4 on Monday 1st January 15:26

Edited by pmorg4 on Monday 1st January 15:27