Alignment ruined in 1 minute???

[JHZR2]

Hi,

This is a bit off topic, as it is in regard to a 1991 BMW 318i (E30).
I wanted to get rid of my rear tires (which had worn funny) and swap on a set of Canadian Tire snow/ice tires that I got last time I was up there.
The front tires/wheels were not touched.
I took it to my usual tire place, they put it up on the lift, did the rear tires, and took it down. All was well, right?

WRONG!

Now I need to hold my steering wheel about 45 degrees to the right past center for the car to track straight (used to be dead center made the car go straight).
How could this be? The front wheels were straight as far as I know wen it went up and back down.
I know one of my rear tires was a bit wobbly, would an untrue rear wheel cause such behavior? Would it present itself with a new tire because the new one hasnt worn int the old bad way? I know one of the wheels needed a lot of weight on it...

Help me please, I dont want to get my car alighed before the spring, but holding the wheel at 45 degrees is not very nice either, nor is tracking sharply to the left on the highway, unless I push against it.

Any help is most appreciated.
Thanks,

JMH

[Luke@tirerack]

sounds like something was bent by the lift ....... it is very easy to do if the lift is not positioned properly

[yhliem]

Originally posted by Luke@tirerack
sounds like something was bent by the lift ....... it is very easy to do if the lift is not positioned properly

agreed