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So I misjudged the distance and smacked a curb with the left front wheel, pretty hard. I could tell that the alignment was off so I took it to my regular shop and the technician says a shim kit is required to get the alignment settings back to spec (camber, specifically). The technician and I both looked everything over and neither of us saw anything that was bent, cracked, or otherwise damaged. If all components are in good condition, I don’t understand why a shim kit is required. Maybe the suspension mounts are bent, or the frame is bent? Should I be concerned about the car’s safety? I hope someone can explain in simple terms what may be going on here. And I hope not to hear that the shop is ripping me off… I like to do most of my own work but alignments are one of those things that I need a shop for. The alignment specs are attached -- it took him two attempts to get it right. Thanks
One thing I forgot to mention: the shim kit has already been installed, that is how the technician got the alignment settings back within spec. My question is, if all suspension components are undamaged, why is the shim kit required? Why can't the good parts just put back to spec? In other words, the need for a shim kit indicates something has been bent, but close inspection indicates all is well. I just want to make sense of this.
When I got my hunter laser alignment the shop had a big box of different thickness shims. I would think this box of shims would be a stock thing at any alignment shop.
Adding and subtracting shims to adjust alignment was common with GM vehicles for decades. Many times alignment shops had a variety of shims. Many times shims removed in the process of doing alignments on other cars. If alignment required more than .125 shims; I would suspect something was bent. SAI, included angle, and toe out on turns can indicate if something was bent
The frame, control arms, or tie rod got slightly tweaked. As long as it can be returned to specs and the car doesn't pull, don't worry about it. It sounds like your technician knows what he's doing.
You need to ask an alignment shop before they even do any checks if they have the appropriate alignment shims available. Any C4 owner or owner of an earlier car using this alignment procedure would be wise maybe to gather a miscellaneous shim thickness assortment before ever taking it to an alignment shop. Many alignment shops I'm quite sure don't have them readily available.
Shim kit wouldn't be mentioned by an experienced alignment technician! You certainly might likely see it on your invoice though.
OP - there's 3 1/2 hours from 1st to 2nd alignment. Did they need to order shims for your second? They put you 'on the street' as done with the 1st alignment and took your $$$.
You need to ask an alignment shop before they even do any checks if they have the appropriate alignment shims available. Any C4 owner or owner of an earlier car using this alignment procedure would be wise maybe to gather a miscellaneous shim thickness assortment before ever taking it to an alignment shop. Many alignment shops I'm quite sure don't have them readily available.
Shim kit wouldn't be mentioned by an experienced alignment technician! You certainly might likely see it on your invoice though.
OP - there's 3 1/2 hours from 1st to 2nd alignment. Did they need to order shims for your second? They put you 'on the street' as done with the 1st alignment and took your $$$.
The first time I took it in for this issue, they put it on the alignment rack, did an inspection, then attached the wheel sensors. Shortly after, they told me the shim kit was needed and I reluctantly said OK. So they went to a local parts store to get the shims and installed them while I waited on the first visit. When they were done, I took the car to meet a friend for lunch and on the way I noticed the car pulling slightly to the right. I called the shop right away, they said bring it back, thus the two alignment printouts. The shim kit cost me $15 but the installation labor was much more.
This shop also aligns my 2006 Tacoma, and more than once they have sent me off with the alignment "done" but the truck pulling slightly to one side. So now they send me off with the car pulling. When I brought it back to them, I reminded he shop manager that this has happened more than once before, then I asked if they do test drives before sending their customers off in their vehicles. (I know this is bit of a cheeky question but I was not happy about having to bring the car back to them just hours later.) They said of course they do test drives.
The shim kit cost me $15 but the installation labor was much more.
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This just isn't correct. The shims are a required operation in the alignment. There wouldn't/shouldn't be additional charges. What were the 'installation' charges? If you were charged for installation in 'addition to' the alignment I'd still have questions.
Years ago, I bought lifetime alignment service for both vehicles -- at this shop, it costs less than two of their standard 4-wheel alignments. So they never charge me for the alignment adjustments. But they did charge me for the shims/shim kit and about $110 labor/installation of those shims. I don't like the fact that most shops pre-determine the labor charge according to some book that says how long each procedure takes, despite how long it actually takes. But I decided to be OK with these specific charges because this shop has never needed to add/remove shims for any previous alignment, on either of my vehicles, and I have been going there for many years. Besides, this is all my mistake for not being more careful around curbs. I hit it hard, one that makes your back end pucker and quietly wonder, "what did I just do?" Lesson learned.
Wow. Just wow.
That really takes some guts to be an "alignment shop", charge you for shims that are used in literally 100's of millions of cars and then charge you $110 for the "free" alignment.
I don't think the shop was out of line in charging the op for the alignment. I'm sure the paperwork for the lifetime alignment agreement includes a clause that mentions damage caused by striking objects or curbs are not covered.
Shim Kit Needed for Alignment?
