anything special about an alignment?
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: Wickenburg, AZ
anything special about an alignment?
I have a 1990 that I just got running. While running a tank of gas or so through I noted that the steering wheel is not centered and it may have a slight pull to the left. I'd like to get it aligned.
Can I go to a local wheel shop that does alignments or is this something that I should consider for a Corvette specialist?
I'm in Phoenix.
Can I go to a local wheel shop that does alignments or is this something that I should consider for a Corvette specialist?
I'm in Phoenix.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 3,065
Likes: 39
You can go to any alignment shop that aligns SLA type suspensions as you will need shims. Call up and ask if they can align SLA suspensions before you go there. A car that is out of alignment ca cause the car to pull, handle improperly, and wear tires.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 14,948
Likes: 3,351
From: NYC NY
I don't think you need a Corvette specialist per say but I do think you need an alignment specialist. What you don't want is a cookie cutter alignment done by a mass merchandiser. Todays alignment equipment is very good and it just about tells the tech what to do to get the car within specs but it takes a little extra care and time to get it perfect. I think that's the person you want doing your Corvette. Asking around at the local cars and coffee or checking with the local Corvette Club members might not be a bad idea.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 4,328
Likes: 15
From: Jacksonville FL
When I first got my Vette I had work done at a Corvette specialist who sent me to a big truck alignment place. I dont know if its because the guy personally did good work or trucks are SLA (what does this stand for, Daniel?). I can tell ya this guy took about 2 hrs and a few test drives to get things right. 20K miles later and very little uneven tire wear. That might be an option to explore as well.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 25,393
Likes: 2,741
When I first got my Vette I had work done at a Corvette specialist who sent me to a big truck alignment place. I dont know if its because the guy personally did good work or trucks are SLA (what does this stand for, Daniel?). I can tell ya this guy took about 2 hrs and a few test drives to get things right. 20K miles later and very little uneven tire wear. That might be an option to explore as well.
The OP does need a competent shop and a call to make sure that they do quality four-wheel alignments and a road test before/after is maybe something to consider. I'd consider asking if they have the required shims before going also. Today, I maybe wouldn't assume that they do.
I can't say that I'd avoid a particular shop but I would ask how frequently the equipment is calibrated and maybe how long the technician has been doing alignments. That's maybe not fair because some younger will maybe be more interested and spend the time BUT it does need to be considered.
The OP needs to also consider the quality of the tire that's on the car, tire pressures and just general condition of his '90 that he just got running. Mismatched wheels, poor tire condition and worn suspension components aren't going to hold an alignment. Sometimes you walk in asking for an alignment and that's what you get. The car needs a suspension evaluation first!
Last edited by WVZR-1; Dec 11, 2013 at 05:30 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,383
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In addition to the above, the car needs to be driven after the alignment is set then rechecked. Simply letting the weight back onto the wheels won't work. So it might take them a bit of time more than a Camry.
IMHO post in the regional section and ask for a recommendation.
BTW be prepared to hear how your Bilsteins are shot and need replacement simply because they have what is normal for them a fine film of oil on the lower shell. Just ignore it.
IMHO post in the regional section and ask for a recommendation.
BTW be prepared to hear how your Bilsteins are shot and need replacement simply because they have what is normal for them a fine film of oil on the lower shell. Just ignore it.
Last edited by 94z07fx3; Dec 11, 2013 at 05:32 AM.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,354
Likes: 291
From: MA
I had my car at Se-ars twice new Hunter machine and all. Needless to say I was never happy after that. I ended up taking my car to a truck/car repair shop near my work. Several hours later my car tracks nice and straight. What I found out is most places do not want to be bothered doing shim alignment!
Shop around and ask questions.
Shop around and ask questions.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 3,065
Likes: 39
It Is normal for It To Take That Long. When doing Sla, You Have To Adjust Camber And caster Simultaneously. If You Aim For One, And Try To Adjust The Other, it Will Throw Off The One You Just Did Because Of The Way It Is Designed.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 6,192
Likes: 750
From: near the thumb in the mitten
At a Chevy dealer or a place that does lots of Vettes it really doesn't because you know what shim will do what. It can vary between generations. Adjusting Caster is always a little tricky because every car is a little different depending on how it sits. Once Caster is set, Camber is usally easy. Adjusting with one shim is removing one and hoping Camber and Caster move to the right place at the same time. Both sides of the car need to complament each other. If alignment and/or toe is way out it is is possble to have to rough align car so a proper alignment can be done. Pre C4 car with power assist can drive you crazy trying to get steering wheel centered. The rear alignment is simpler but if you have to re-adjust front you may have to tweak rear to make sure car goes straight with no dog tracking.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2003
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From: moraga ca
One thing to consider is whether the shop will align the car within the specification range or to exact specs. It's quick and easy to get the car within specs: for instance +-.5 degrees camber is a huge tolerance. Some shops are happy to be within the range and they consider the job done. Other will nail your desires spec, say -.3 degrees camber exactly. A lot if times, you get what you pat for. U