wheel/tire alignment?

[Wrench]

I would chat with the tech. If my rig needs an alignment it could land anywhere in the spec and be "in spec", but if I let him know my car tends to have 300lbs in the back seat all the time, a good tech will shift me to the edge of camber to accommodate the typical use. Same for trucks that tow a lot. Rear end gets loaded and mess with caster. If he looks at me cross eyed, I haul ass.

 

[sndmn11]

Thanks! I made an appointment with the first place.

I am saving $900 by doing the parts replacement in the driveway!

 

[CorbLand]

Thanks! I made an appointment with the first place.

I am saving $900 by doing the parts replacement in the driveway!

Its not hard if you have the time and tools. Go rent a ball joint press or buy one. They make life so much easier.

 

[browning2480]

Remember, a machine is only as good as the operator.

A tack driving rifle can miss a barn in the hands of someone who's not experienced.

I'd definitely pay for someone who cares to operate it.

Yes but these machines only show if the alignment is in spec. If they can use the machine and know how to align the vehicle, then it shouldn’t matter. The problem would be if they can’t determine worn out parts and align a vehicle with problems or don’t know how to adjust the vehicles. Always ask for the pre and post print outs to see they everything is in spec.


One thing I will say is find someone you trust as ruining a set of new tires is not what you want to happen.

 

[displacedtexan]

Yes but these machines only show if the alignment is in spec. If they can use the machine and know how to align the vehicle, then it shouldn’t matter. The problem would be if they can’t determine worn out parts and align a vehicle with problems or don’t know how to adjust the vehicles. Always ask for the pre and post print outs to see they everything is in spec.


One thing I will say is find someone you trust as ruining a set of new tires is not what you want to happen.

The spec is a range. Caster, camber, and toe must all be set appropriately to each other, and usage.

All three simply in their specified ranges isn't a very good alignment.

 

[cnelk]

If there’s a Help Wanted sign on the front door I’m looking for a different shop

 

[awbowhunter]

Real simple. All decent alignment machines can print before and after readings of your alignment with specs. Newer are in color and will show anything out of "spec" in Red. Always ask for printout of before and after....ask this of them BEFORE they do the alignment. A good alignment will also have the camber and toe in the middle of the spec tolerances. FYI those two matter for tire wear. Caster does not wear tires but will or can cause a pull, drift or undesirable steering chacteristics.