[Caydan]

Thanks for the replies guys!

If I'm understanding this correctly, the caster is potentially the issue despite what the technician said, but because it's not adjustable I'll need to have someone investigate the suspension itself and see what can be done to offset any disparity caused by the caster?

 

[Caydan]

That's a good idea actually, I hadn't though of swapping the wheels simply because they should be relatively fresh (just over 3200 kms/1900 miles); but it might be worth a shot. I'll need to get a jack and try swapping them myself.

Not sure on the right brake rotor; is it something I can discern with a visual check?

 

[Caydan]

caster difference can cause pull to the side.
right caster lower by almost 3/4 degr -> right side wants "less" to keep it straight = possible explanation why your car pulls to the right.

caster is not adjustable - so it has to be something in the suspension.

basicaly it's defined by the 2 arms (#3 and #6) and the shock strut:

Any idea how the caster would have ended up lower given that they're non-adjustable? Just wear and tear over the car's life?

 

[Caydan]

Tire Pressure is good (fronts and rears identical 33/33 - 34/34 cold.) I'll admit I don't have the knowledge or means to check the tire balance, but I'll check with the dealership that I bought the car from when I visit next friday.

It's a bit of a hike normally, but I happen to be going by their location so I booked an appointment to have them look at the car (thus giving me a second opinion).

In the meantime I don't yet have the tools or means to remove the wheels and check the brake calipers. I did notice when I took it out for a quick drive (-20 mins) yesterday that the car may also experience the slight pull when applying brake pressure. If I was genuinely feeling it, it further leads me to suspect Rob's theory of it being a possible brake caliper issue. Or at least that the brake caliper may be involved.

On an unrelated note I finally located what I believe to be a source of a weird burning smell while the car is running...Somehow a plastic bag or wrap got stuck on the left exhaust pipe where it sits next to the rear left wheel. It's partially melted/grafted to the pipe now and will clearly remain as such until it fully burns away or I find a way to remove it. Here's a picture I just took:

Anyone ever encounter anything like this? Just wondering how much of a fire hazard it is; and how to safely remove it without damaging the exhaust itself.