My car is an 04, 4 months old. It started pulling to the right and the steering wheel is slightly off center. I took her in. Without even looking at the car they said my 1600 SSR COMPS caused the alignment problem. I argued with the service manager and we went round and round. He finally gave and said they would check the alignment under warranty. Then I came back 3 hours later to find out their alignment rack doesn't fit 18" wheels. I asked how the align the STI and other Subies w/ optional 17"s. They said they outsource their alignment jobs. I said fine, send me. They refused until I put the factory 16's back on. They check the work on their machine. I wish they would have told me this in the first place as I put 320 miles on my car between the two round trips to Tucson. I am going to place a call to SOA if they keep giving the runaround. Anyone else experience poor service from EMICH??? :(

Yes, wheels can cause alignment problems...

However, check the tire pressure first. Then make sure the crown of the road is not causing this. Finally, have you hit any pot holes, etc?

Finally, what is the problem with putting the 16" back on for them to refer you? Do it, get the referal slip and then put your 18s back on before you go.

Yeah, wheels can cause alignment to go bad. I'd say put the 16s back on and bring it in. If the alignment is still off, you know it wasn't your rims, then you can say "I told you so." If the problem goes away with the 16s, you know your wheels are the culprit!

It could be the tires on your aftermarket wheels too..