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How much does tire inflation affect wheel alignment on an All Wheel Drive car?

Asked by LuckyGuy (43690points) November 1st, 2020

I had new tires put on my 2015 Subaru with All Wheel Drive. I also paid for a 4 wheel alignment.
The specification for tire air inflation is, Front: 30 psi, Rear: 29 psi. I happily drove home with my new tires and aligned wheels and noticed how differently the car handled. (A little oversteer)
Three days later, I checked the tire pressure and found: the front tires were 31 and 34 psi, and the rears were 37 and 37 psi! The outside temperature was 40F, the car was in the shade and had not been driven all day. I let the air out to set them correctly.
But now I am worried about the wheel alignment.
I was taught that the first thing you are supposed to do is set the tire pressure correctly before you do an alignment. I know the alignment is based upon the wheel itself, not the tire, but doesn’t the incorrect pressure affect how the car sits on the road? Caster? Camber?
How much of an effect is it? Is my alignment off now?
Is there any data that quantifies the effect of tire pressure?

I called the shop and they will recheck alignment but my confidence is shaken. What else did they miss? Lug nuts?

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