Wheel Alignment Question
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
From: Ocean Park Wa
Wheel Alignment Question
After purchasing a new set of ZR-1 wheels, and seeing the old tires on the car (23K) I have ordered a new set of tires. Should be delivered this week.
Question: I will have the shop mount the new tires, and request an alignment of all four corners. This has not been done on the car since we purchased it new.
Is anyone aware of diffferent alignment "specs" I should indicate to the mechanic, other than what his book will show?
The car is not used in any type of contest, race etc., it is a highway driven vehicle, used for weekend enjoyment, an occasional vacation trip or a night out to dinner.
Thanks in advance.
Nav
Question: I will have the shop mount the new tires, and request an alignment of all four corners. This has not been done on the car since we purchased it new.
Is anyone aware of diffferent alignment "specs" I should indicate to the mechanic, other than what his book will show?
The car is not used in any type of contest, race etc., it is a highway driven vehicle, used for weekend enjoyment, an occasional vacation trip or a night out to dinner.
Thanks in advance.
Nav
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 3,581
Likes: 1
From: Springfield VA
Re: Wheel Alignment Question (navigate)
There are a lot of different settings but they are all for road tracks or autocrossing.
Just use the factory specs that the alignment shop has from the manual. Also do your research first. What is the alignment going to cost? Tell them you want print outs of the before and after numbers.
The stock numbers give + or - values for each wheel and a total + or - for both wheels (front/rear). A car can have positive camber on one wheel and neutral on the other. Apply this same principle to the caster and toe-in and it is possible to have alignment problems (tire wear, steering control) with a car that has just been aligned.
The shops like sears, pepboys, merchant, etc., can get away with 'specials' on alignments because they don't normally make significant adjustments if any. All they are trying to do is get it within 'spec' not optimize it.
Just use the factory specs that the alignment shop has from the manual. Also do your research first. What is the alignment going to cost? Tell them you want print outs of the before and after numbers.
The stock numbers give + or - values for each wheel and a total + or - for both wheels (front/rear). A car can have positive camber on one wheel and neutral on the other. Apply this same principle to the caster and toe-in and it is possible to have alignment problems (tire wear, steering control) with a car that has just been aligned.
The shops like sears, pepboys, merchant, etc., can get away with 'specials' on alignments because they don't normally make significant adjustments if any. All they are trying to do is get it within 'spec' not optimize it.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
From: Ocean Park Wa
Re: Wheel Alignment Question (navigate)
Thanks for the reply. I have been quoted a price of $60, which I think is very good considering what a normal, front end alignment costs these days.
And, the tip reqesting a print out before and after is an excellent suggestion.
Tx
Nav
And, the tip reqesting a print out before and after is an excellent suggestion.
Tx
Nav
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 3,842
Likes: 230
From: SANTA CRUZ CA
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 2,786
Likes: 22
From: Cary NC
Re: Wheel Alignment Question (Oldman)
Has anyone tried those settings that VBP recommends. I'm interested in the Daily Driver and Advanced Street settings. The daily driving part is all highway. The car sees very little in-town driving. I'm just wondering about the "darty" feeling they refer to.
