So took my car to get allignment and got it done it was off. I checked with a tape measurer and there was about a 1/4 in difference in the straightness . So I told them and they rechecked it and said it was perfect and refused to do anything more or give me money back. So I'm really annoyed. Why can't they seem to get it straight I got under there made a minor adjustment and now Its perfect . If I can do it with a tape measurer why cant they do it with lights and lasers and all there fancy [censored].
why do allignment shops always suck?
- Thread starter Dakota1820
- Start date
- Status
what adjustment did you make??
Exactly what adjustment did you make? Some cars are designed to have toe in and negative camber from the factory.
That 1/4" is probably what makes your truck go straight.
I think you guys misunderstood. It's a Saturn sl2 the wheel when I measured was 1/4 in off from what the other side was . Meaning that one when was in to far I moved it by turning the tierod and now she is perfect. There machine showed .06 for toe on both sides but this is obviously wrong. There machine needs recalibrated I bet. Just crazy spend 60 bucks and get a car that isn't driving straight . Before I replaced the tierods it drove straight so it wasnt anything wrong just that they didn't get it right.
Name/Type of Alignment Shop???
what MMY Saturn?
As I see it that too much toe.
Per wheel spec
+0.10
+0.20
One wheel will be out further then the other. The reason for this is the natural slant of roads to help drainage.
Total toe should be
+ 0.20
+ 0.40
Per wheel spec
+0.10
+0.20
One wheel will be out further then the other. The reason for this is the natural slant of roads to help drainage.
Total toe should be
+ 0.20
+ 0.40
Not your car, but the type of alignment shop. National Chain or Mom & Pop.
What kind of alignment equipment did they use?
Thanks, Jim
What kind of alignment equipment did they use?
Thanks, Jim
It was a tire store I believe they had a hunter machine. Both wheels were at .06 but if that was the case when I measured it the points should have been exactly the same length and they were not. I believe they were either lazy or the machine was off. Either way I've had it happen before . I actually have had more bad experiences than good. All I ask is that on a flat level surface the wheel be straight and not feel loose to one side because it is off. After all that's what I'm paying them for. Its very frustrating . The guy took my car for a drive the second time and he was going 15 mph on a bumpy crooked road and said It seemed good. I asked him to go on the 2lane hwy and he wouldnt do it nor let me show him what I was talking about. He just insisted that I was wrong. And let me tell you if your a mechanic you should be required to drive a stick well. He kept trying to take off in 3 rd and riding my clutch. I asked him to please be more careful and he just shrugged his shoulders and took off in second after that. I complained to the manager but they refused to refund my money since there machine was right. Needless to say ill never go back.
Go back & insist they do the alignment again, with pre & post numbers.
Have him and/or you take it out on the freeway and if it's not better, have them re-do it aagain.
If not, let them know you'll contact the BBB & other outlets (on-line reviews, etc.) and spout off.
They'll correct it then.
Have him and/or you take it out on the freeway and if it's not better, have them re-do it aagain.
If not, let them know you'll contact the BBB & other outlets (on-line reviews, etc.) and spout off.
They'll correct it then.
I personally believe that Alignments are like 1500 mile oil changes. I have had 2 alignments since I had my first car almost 50 years ago. I think they are generaly a waste. Just an opinion.
Originally Posted By: Al
I personally believe that Alignments are like 1500 mile oil changes. I have had 2 alignments since I had my first car almost 50 years ago. I think they are generaly a waste. Just an opinion.
Yea, if they haven't been knocked off, absolutely.
I personally believe that Alignments are like 1500 mile oil changes. I have had 2 alignments since I had my first car almost 50 years ago. I think they are generaly a waste. Just an opinion.
Yea, if they haven't been knocked off, absolutely.
I just won't go back or give them a good word. I've learned bbb doesn't do much . Coulf use it as a threat but I already got it right and knowing my luck they would just screw it up again.
Like all things in life, you have to research!
You want to find a shop that uses the best equipment.
Hunter is the name you want to see. Then you have to find a shop that has the equipment, and a tech that knows what he is doing with it.
I can tell you right now, the best place to go for an alignment (that I have found) is at a Mercedes dealership.
You want to find a shop that uses the best equipment.
Hunter is the name you want to see. Then you have to find a shop that has the equipment, and a tech that knows what he is doing with it.
I can tell you right now, the best place to go for an alignment (that I have found) is at a Mercedes dealership.
Matchup the info I provided from alldata and call them out on setting to the wrong specs. I can give you all of the specs if needed front and rear. just let me know
Seek out a Professional Frame and Front End Shop in your area for your next alignment.
You now have time to research and find the best one.
A Hint... They do the work for the local dealers that they themselves cannot do.
Good Luck, Jim
You now have time to research and find the best one.
A Hint... They do the work for the local dealers that they themselves cannot do.
Good Luck, Jim
To check it yourself, spin the tires with a marker/pen/whatever to get straight lines on them. Use this for your tape measure reference. Lots of care is needed to get closer than 1/32" accuracy.
And note that if tires are pressed in/out manually, it will change the static readings.
I do not like compensating alignments. A neutral set up will slightly drift down a road crown. But since it depends on what lane you are in, a compensating alignment can make things worse!
And note that if tires are pressed in/out manually, it will change the static readings.
I do not like compensating alignments. A neutral set up will slightly drift down a road crown. But since it depends on what lane you are in, a compensating alignment can make things worse!
Smokefan: please give me the specs later this evening ill post the sheet they gave me. Hunters are common but I though sun was better. That's what I've heard anyway.
- Status
Similar threads
- Locked
