wheel alignment, do I need one???
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,037
Likes: 0
From: Alameda CA
wheel alignment, do I need one???
I had my car completly lowered on stock bolts but the car did not even drop half a inch, do I still need a alignment done? What happens if I don't? Does it damage my car or something? What the heck is a wheel alignment anyway 
I don't want to waste money since I plan to get new rims and tires in maybe two or three months and was planning on geting it done then
I don't want to waste money since I plan to get new rims and tires in maybe two or three months and was planning on geting it done then
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 19,557
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From: I love you & miss you Linda
2017 C7 of the Year Finalist
St. Jude Contributor
If you don't know what a wheel alignment is then I'd guess you've NEVER had it done...
How long have you owned the car?
You SHOULD get it aligned if it has never been done before.
You WILL feel a difference in how nicely the car will track. It will drive much better and straighter and just feel better.
An alignment will help with proper tire wear along with keeping a close eye on your tire pressures.
Anytime the geometry of the suspension has been altered the car should be aligned. (You changed the geometry by lowering the car)
SO, if you 've owned this car for a few years and don't know what an alignment is, you shoud get it done, even if you hadn't lowered it.
Be sure that it's done byt someone who knows Corvettes and knows the proper specs. They should add weight in the drivers seat equal to your weight when aligning the car also.
How long have you owned the car?
You SHOULD get it aligned if it has never been done before.
You WILL feel a difference in how nicely the car will track. It will drive much better and straighter and just feel better.
An alignment will help with proper tire wear along with keeping a close eye on your tire pressures.
Anytime the geometry of the suspension has been altered the car should be aligned. (You changed the geometry by lowering the car)
SO, if you 've owned this car for a few years and don't know what an alignment is, you shoud get it done, even if you hadn't lowered it.
Be sure that it's done byt someone who knows Corvettes and knows the proper specs. They should add weight in the drivers seat equal to your weight when aligning the car also.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 778
Likes: 1
From: Chantilly VA
I recommend an alignment/check. I would have it checked maybe once a year or so and of course any time you notice any pull in steering/breaking. It don't cost that much and it may make a big savings in tires. 
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: "It's 106 miles to Chicago, we've got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it's dark, and
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-‘18-'19
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An alignment isn't that expensive - especially compared to the cost of replacement tires. So if you have to spend $100 now and then spend it again in a couple of months....that's the equivalent of about two tanks of premium unleaded.
Also - when you take your car in for the alignment, make sure that you tell them you need a four wheel alignment....not a front end alignment.
Also - when you take your car in for the alignment, make sure that you tell them you need a four wheel alignment....not a front end alignment.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 473
Likes: 1
From: Newport Oregon
You didn't say how long ago you dropped it, but it takes a week to 10 days for it to settle.
THEN go get it aslligned, we're only talking 80 bucks or so. I think mine coss me 82.00 for a 4 wheel alignment.
THEN go get it aslligned, we're only talking 80 bucks or so. I think mine coss me 82.00 for a 4 wheel alignment.
