Who Does Your Wheel Alignment?

[SubLGT]

Do you prefer to go to the dealer for an alignment? Or do you go to an independent shop?

My last alignment was at the dealer, even though at $90 for a 4 wheel alignment, they are more expensive than an independent.

What do you see as the pros and cons?

 

[Eddie]

All depends on the expertise of the people doing the work. I have seen a neighbor do an alignment with a carpenter level and string that was better than some shops do.

 

[Oldasco]

$90 for a 4 wheel alignment isn't bad. I paid about $80 recently for a 2 wheel alignment at Tire Kingdom in Florida recently after taxes and after they snuck in some "shop fees". Not too many shops do alignments anymore and there are no independent/dedicated alignment shops near me.

 

[Hokiefyd]

If it's simple like toe or camber, I do it myself. If it's more complex that requires a more elaborate adjustment (like caster), I take it to an alignment shop.

 

[anonobomber]

Make sure all your suspension components aren't worn out or an alignment is useless no matter where you get it done. I have always had independent shops do my alignments. Make sure they give you a computer printout from the alignment machine showing that you're within spec after the alignment. Some shops won't give a printout showing you the before and after and those are the shops I won't use.

 

[javacontour]

Originally Posted By: SubLGT
Do you prefer to go to the dealer for an alignment? Or do you go to an independent shop?

My last alignment was at the dealer, even though at $90 for a 4 wheel alignment, they are more expensive than an independent.

What do you see as the pros and cons?


My indie shop. They do what I need and stand behind their work.

 

[SLCraig]

One of the only things I go to the dealer for.
The old Saturn dealer used to be $90 for a 4 wheel alignment, and it was actually good.
Canadian Tire is $90 for a 2 wheel, and they only check toe.
Of course they're terrible and I don't recommend them to anyone for auto service, but the price shows that the dealer is a good deal, especially considering the work is done properly.

 

[ARCOgraphite]

Make sure the rack was calibrated recenently prior to your job. Our local NISSAN Hunter was way out. Anything misaligned there for 90 bucks was, well, just that

 

[Barkleymut]

I have not had an alignment job in at least 10 years. Y'all need to quit hitting curbs. But seriously my tires last 50k without rotating or alignments anyways. And that is always on the cheapest brand. Maybe if I had a decent car I would care more about this.

It has been many years since I owned a foreign car, has anyone else noticed that US cars do not have alignment problems?

 

[eljefino]

Originally Posted By: Hokiefyd
If it's simple like toe or camber, I do it myself. If it's more complex that requires a more elaborate adjustment (like caster), I take it to an alignment shop.


My deal to a tee. I use a laser level at 4 and 8 oclock on the front tire bulges, aimed to just barely miss the rear tires to set toe. Camber can be eyeballed (line the front tire up behind the "known good" rear or vice versa) and drive-tested though I use the level too. If I'm changing struts I can use the existing toe, which I don't monkey with in the same sitting, to set camber.

 

[Donald]

Originally Posted By: Oldasco
$90 for a 4 wheel alignment isn't bad. I paid about $80 recently for a 2 wheel alignment at Tire Kingdom in Florida recently after taxes and after they snuck in some "shop fees". Not too many shops do alignments anymore and there are no independent/dedicated alignment shops near me.


I love the shop fees. The mechanic blows his nose and the tissue is now a bio-hazard and you now pay a shop fee to dispose of it.

 

[Donald]

I use an indy shop.

 

[rjundi]

Originally Posted By: SubLGT
Do you prefer to go to the dealer for an alignment? Or do you go to an independent shop?

My last alignment was at the dealer, even though at $90 for a 4 wheel alignment, they are more expensive than an independent.

What do you see as the pros and cons?


My experience is it is the actual person who does it and is properly trained/experienced is far more important than place.

A local MB/Porsche tech at an independent shop with in house alignment machine takes his personal cars to a certain shop/person since they do a really good job.

My dealer Subaru just got their own machine and has a reputation of screwing them up. They also prescribe them to everyone due to eyeballing "funny wear" including myself. I happened to get a irreparable flat 5 weeks latter and a tire shop did free check during tire replacement and it was surprising perfectly in spec according to sheet. The dealer beyond recommending the alignment said the parts were rusty and would be close to $300 to perform it. The tire shop(reputable) said hogwash even if it required it.

 

[Kestas]

I either do it myself or take it to a frame shop.

 

[danster]

I get good results from the shops that also do big trucks. Worth ckecking it you have an indie tire/truck shop that also does passenger cars.

 

[Rolla07]

I went to the dealer on my Corolla.. I had 17 inch rims on it, and they told me 79$ than they told me shims and this and that, and gave me a 350$ estimate.. I laughed in his face, and walked away... Im going to bring it in again while i have my OEM winter rims on.. and get the 79$ alignment.. at least im thinking i wont hear about shims or any reasons to drive up the price... although its probably well over 79$ now LOL

 

[Chris142]

My stuff is toe only. I go to the nearest shop. Hopefully they cant screw that up