Alignment...am I getting scammed?
Thread Starter
6th Gear
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Cypress TX
Alignment...am I getting scammed?
My 2001 coupe pulls hard to the right. Letting go of the steering wheel takes you into the ditch. new Michelin Pilots on the front didn't solve the problem. Put new Michelins on the back and took to shop for alignment. The alignment charge of $79.99 for 4 wheel alignment was more than acceptable, but then I got a call that "Corvettes require 3 hours labor, at $69.99/hour". Now with both my Vette's I've just gotten used to the "Corvette tax", but the shop is saying that there is caster/toe/AND camber on all four wheels. One and a half hours of labor today and the car still pulls pretty hard. I'm bringing it back on Monday, but I was wondering if any forum members that know about the alignment can tell me if there is actually all three adjustments for the rear.
I've read a lot of "chasing down the drift" problems on the forum...I hope I'm not getting myself in that same boat.
BTW, Michelin Pilot runflats, stock ride height, 43,000 miles.
Thanks for the feedback.
I've read a lot of "chasing down the drift" problems on the forum...I hope I'm not getting myself in that same boat.
BTW, Michelin Pilot runflats, stock ride height, 43,000 miles.
Thanks for the feedback.
Racer
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 369
Likes: 0
From: Chicago IL
I agree thats to much moolah. I don't see paying anything more than $100. My car is usually done within an hour. I think it takes more time to get the car on the machine than it actually does to align.
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 17,640
Likes: 1
From: Lenoir City TN
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11
The high cost for a four wheel alignment is for the extra time needed to adjust everything. Sounds like you are getting scammed, run away to another more reputable shop.
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Racer
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 270
Likes: 8
From: O'Fallon Illinois
Yeah, and it should go pretty much "hands-off" straight.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 5,865
Likes: 6
From: Saraland Alabama
St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
You might want to check to make sure a brake caliper is not sticking or possibly your active handling malfunctioning.
I agree with other posters who say you're being charged too much.
I've had my '02 for three years and have never had it aligned. It has a little over 25k miles on original tires and they still look good and car runs straight as it should. When I buy new tires within the next year or so I plan to have it aligned.
I agree with other posters who say you're being charged too much.
I've had my '02 for three years and have never had it aligned. It has a little over 25k miles on original tires and they still look good and car runs straight as it should. When I buy new tires within the next year or so I plan to have it aligned.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 731
Likes: 9
From: Ivins, Utah
I just had mine done a few weeks ago, 4 wheel at a place that does all types of cars $79 and they did a good job, I got to watch, if I had helped it would have cost more.
I'd say go elsewhere and that your problem may be more than just an alinement.
I'd say go elsewhere and that your problem may be more than just an alinement.
C5 General
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,391
Likes: 0
From: Boosted in Manhattan & Round Rock TX. President of the Non Club Club of Kansas and Round Rock , Not the flat part.
My shop tweked my ride height, and changed the oil. (I came w/ the oil). I was by the car the whole time.
$75 w/ tip.
Paul G.
OLD PIC
$75 w/ tip.
Paul G.
OLD PIC
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 9,420
Likes: 8
From: Southern New Jersey, The wet part at the bottom
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10
Get it out of there.
NTB did a 4 wheel computer alignment on my lowered (they had to make all the corrections) '02 for $88 tax included.
NTB did a 4 wheel computer alignment on my lowered (they had to make all the corrections) '02 for $88 tax included.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 6,979
Likes: 31
From: Wichita KS
I used to do 4 wheel alignments and from what I remember we charged a flat rate even if it was a actual "4" wheel vs. "2" wheel alignment. As the other are saying take your car elsewhere nexttime
