wheel alignments
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,156
Likes: 1
From: Pittsburgh Pirates PA
wheel alignments
i don't see a whole of of discussions regarding front end alignments and 4-wheel alignments on our corvettes.. do a lot of you get them, and is there anything to be aware of???
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 13,421
Likes: 8
From: Lake Mary Florida
New GSC after I bought mine, had my local Chevy dealer perform the alignment. About 26K later figured I needed to have the alignment check wear was perfect. Fell for that lifetime alignment at Firestone, after three times back for adjustments it still wasn't right about 3k later tires now worn on outside edges. Bought a new set of F1-GS-D3s, took it back to Chevy they did the alignment showed me why it was off, drove away and the Vette handled beautifully. No longer did it feel like it was fighting itself. Now almost 17K later the F1's still look hardly worn.
My point, I only trust Chevy to do the alignment. For $79. they know what to do and how to do it right. That's my 2-cents.
My point, I only trust Chevy to do the alignment. For $79. they know what to do and how to do it right. That's my 2-cents.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 2,531
Likes: 35
From: Lecanto Florida
I hadn't done an alignment for a lot of years and was talking to one of the guys in my Vette club. He recommended a Firestone dealer in the local town, and they had a special going for $59 (all wheel). I watched and talked to the mechanic while he was working. He said the front wasn't bad but both rear wheels needed a lot of adjustment. I hadn't noticed any unusual wear but I'm glad I had it done.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 16,795
Likes: 62
From: Lake Havasu City, AZ
Because of the width of the front tires an incorrect alignment can result in "tramlining" ... the tendency of the front tires to follow ruts in the road.
Many forum members set up their 4 wheel alignment according to VBandP "Advanced Street " settings.
Follow the link, print out the specs , take them into your favorite alignment shop. I'm sure some members in your area will advise on a good shop....
Make sure they give you a copy of the before and after settings.
Re Chevy dealerships ... just remember everyone is human. I took my Vette in and their "best" Corvette mechanic left a ratchet on the throttle body, then slammed the hood.... CRACK !
I suspect he was so upset he messed up the rear alignment to boot.
The good news is that it is a stand up dealership and they took care of their accident to my satisfaction.
Here's the link http://www.vbandp.com/instructions/h...ruct/align.htm
Many forum members set up their 4 wheel alignment according to VBandP "Advanced Street " settings.
Follow the link, print out the specs , take them into your favorite alignment shop. I'm sure some members in your area will advise on a good shop....
Make sure they give you a copy of the before and after settings.
Re Chevy dealerships ... just remember everyone is human. I took my Vette in and their "best" Corvette mechanic left a ratchet on the throttle body, then slammed the hood.... CRACK !
I suspect he was so upset he messed up the rear alignment to boot.
The good news is that it is a stand up dealership and they took care of their accident to my satisfaction.
Here's the link http://www.vbandp.com/instructions/h...ruct/align.htm
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 16,795
Likes: 62
From: Lake Havasu City, AZ
Sorry, I forgot to mention that some are fanatics and want to set the alignment under simulated loaded conditions... which includes a full tank of gas and putting your body weight of sand in the drivers seat while the mechanic adjusts the settings...
Personally have never gone that far....
Personally have never gone that far....
