Wheel Alignment
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 365
Likes: 19
From: Hugo MN
Wheel Alignment
When I recently removed the wheels I noticed a slight scuffing on the inside edge of the front tires. It is so slight that you can't notice it with the tires on the car. The is no difference in tread depth between the inside and outside edges. Nevertheless I thought I should get the wheels aligned. I called two shops specializing in high performance cars plus a local Chevrolet dealer and received prices ranging from $100 to $160.
Several of the shops told me there is an up charge on Corvettes because they need to use special ramps (similar to Race Ramps) to get them up on the alignment rack.
I would like feedback as to what others have paid and underlying issues regarding alignment on these particular cars that I should be aware of.
Thanks for your help!
Several of the shops told me there is an up charge on Corvettes because they need to use special ramps (similar to Race Ramps) to get them up on the alignment rack.
I would like feedback as to what others have paid and underlying issues regarding alignment on these particular cars that I should be aware of.
Thanks for your help!
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 1,422
Likes: 118
From: San Gabriel Valley California
St. Jude Donor '14-'15
I can't comment on your local prices.
But, I would go to a place which is comfortable aligning performance cars, like Corvette. Even if it costs a little more.
I recently had mine aligned. I was getting uneven wear on rear tires, but no feedback from the car. It drove perfectly straight down the road, with no pull one way or the other. Still the wear.
The shop told me this is not that unusual with Corvette. He recommended checking alignment once yearly, or anytime you 'hit' something as a big pothole or curb. He wasn't trying to sell me anything, just stating how it was. I believe him.
I"m a believer, and will re check mine (alignment) yearly. I ended up replacing both rear tires, because I don't like just one new one on either end of the car. These tires cost lots more, than an alignment.
Don
But, I would go to a place which is comfortable aligning performance cars, like Corvette. Even if it costs a little more.
I recently had mine aligned. I was getting uneven wear on rear tires, but no feedback from the car. It drove perfectly straight down the road, with no pull one way or the other. Still the wear.
The shop told me this is not that unusual with Corvette. He recommended checking alignment once yearly, or anytime you 'hit' something as a big pothole or curb. He wasn't trying to sell me anything, just stating how it was. I believe him.
I"m a believer, and will re check mine (alignment) yearly. I ended up replacing both rear tires, because I don't like just one new one on either end of the car. These tires cost lots more, than an alignment.
Don
Racer
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 371
Likes: 20
From: Ft. Collins Colorado
Living in Ft. Collins Co. I've used a local "Bear" alignment business and have great success with them with 4 wheel set-up on my daily driver. Some investigation with your local business might be worth your time.
Good luck and happy Vetting.
Good luck and happy Vetting.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 256
Likes: 3
From: West Texas
I work in an alignment shop. We don't charge an upcharge for ramps but we do have to use them to get onto the rack. But aligning a Corvette would be $150 for front and rear. We're the most expensive in town but we're also the best. We have two racks that do alignments all day every day and anyone with custom rims, a lift, or a lowered car brings them to us because the big chain shops for $89.95 won't touch them.
My point is pay more and get better care taken of your car.
Edit: I also would not take it to a dealer. Even the dealers send their repaired vehicles to us to get aligned because their own guys can't do it right.
My point is pay more and get better care taken of your car.
Edit: I also would not take it to a dealer. Even the dealers send their repaired vehicles to us to get aligned because their own guys can't do it right.
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 56
Likes: 0
From: Abilene Texas
I work in an alignment shop. We don't charge an upcharge for ramps but we do have to use them to get onto the rack. But aligning a Corvette would be $150 for front and rear. We're the most expensive in town but we're also the best. We have two racks that do alignments all day every day and anyone with custom rims, a lift, or a lowered car brings them to us because the big chain shops for $89.95 won't touch them.
My point is pay more and get better care taken of your car.
Edit: I also would not take it to a dealer. Even the dealers send their repaired vehicles to us to get aligned because their own guys can't do it right.
My point is pay more and get better care taken of your car.
Edit: I also would not take it to a dealer. Even the dealers send their repaired vehicles to us to get aligned because their own guys can't do it right.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 4,496
Likes: 856
From: Walhalla South Carolina
I had mine done at a local shop for 50.oo, if u have a good alignment machine and tech can use it u should be fine, i asked this same question before i did mine. My shop let me watch the whole process and answered all my questions.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 365
Likes: 19
From: Hugo MN
Thanks to all for taking the time to respond as your comments have been helpful and I will probably stay away from the Chevy dealer, who was the lowest price by the way! The other two are top shelf specialty car shops, both of which I would feel comfortable with.
I had indicated that I noticed a very slight scuffing on the inside of the front tires but NO difference in tread depth. On the road the car steers true with absolutely no pull on the highway. Any alignment deviation I'm sure is very minor, however, I'm looking at taking it on a 800+ mile round trip in September and will feel better having it checked.
Thanks again!
I had indicated that I noticed a very slight scuffing on the inside of the front tires but NO difference in tread depth. On the road the car steers true with absolutely no pull on the highway. Any alignment deviation I'm sure is very minor, however, I'm looking at taking it on a 800+ mile round trip in September and will feel better having it checked.
Thanks again!
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Racer
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 416
Likes: 2
When I recently removed the wheels I noticed a slight scuffing on the inside edge of the front tires. It is so slight that you can't notice it with the tires on the car. The is no difference in tread depth between the inside and outside edges. Nevertheless I thought I should get the wheels aligned. I called two shops specializing in high performance cars plus a local Chevrolet dealer and received prices ranging from $100 to $160.
Several of the shops told me there is an up charge on Corvettes because they need to use special ramps (similar to Race Ramps) to get them up on the alignment rack.
I would like feedback as to what others have paid and underlying issues regarding alignment on these particular cars that I should be aware of.
Thanks for your help!
Several of the shops told me there is an up charge on Corvettes because they need to use special ramps (similar to Race Ramps) to get them up on the alignment rack.
I would like feedback as to what others have paid and underlying issues regarding alignment on these particular cars that I should be aware of.
Thanks for your help!
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 6,774
Likes: 363
From: Midland TX
I work in an alignment shop. We don't charge an upcharge for ramps but we do have to use them to get onto the rack. But aligning a Corvette would be $150 for front and rear. We're the most expensive in town but we're also the best. We have two racks that do alignments all day every day and anyone with custom rims, a lift, or a lowered car brings them to us because the big chain shops for $89.95 won't touch them.
My point is pay more and get better care taken of your car.
Edit: I also would not take it to a dealer. Even the dealers send their repaired vehicles to us to get aligned because their own guys can't do it right.
My point is pay more and get better care taken of your car.
Edit: I also would not take it to a dealer. Even the dealers send their repaired vehicles to us to get aligned because their own guys can't do it right.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 3,092
Likes: 120
From: orlando florida
St. Jude Donor '15
i charge 79.95 with no "special" up charge for using two wooden boards. Too bad I'm in Florida for you. Places get retarded when they see a more expensive vehicle. Just like jmxp69 said they align the same as most others cars out there.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 419
Likes: 3
From: North Lauderdale FL
My local shop has a fancy computerized Hunter system. They charged me $100 to do all four corners. Their lift ramp is only a couple inches high, so the vette rolls right onto it with no problem. They also use that lift when I have them change the oil.
I watched the guy do the work and he didn't have to do any special gymnastics to get to the adjustment hardware.
I watched the guy do the work and he didn't have to do any special gymnastics to get to the adjustment hardware.