Courtesy alignment
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 1,130
Likes: 49
Courtesy alignment
So when I bought the car I was told there was a Courtesy alignment included. Car is at the local dealer for the 500 mile service and they are trying to charge me over 250 for an alignment. Anyone have any info on this?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 1,078
Likes: 226
From: San Diego
There is no courtesy alignment. However, if you happen to tell your dealer the car has been pulling to the right or left and they can do it under warranty. My dealer had no problem with this. I am sure many of the cars that are delivered need an alignment.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 1,078
Likes: 226
From: San Diego
Time to switch dealers. Clearly they are not concerned with your future business servicing your car. By the way, they get reimbursed because it is considered warranty work. You might suggest this to them. Otherwise its time to find a reputable dealer. Also, GM will be sending you a survey asking how your dealer handled your service. Thats a good time for your feedback. The service departments really care about this.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 4,083
Likes: 190
From: IL / FL .
Street alignment:
GM will pay for an alignment to address a customer complaint. (I usually say the car seems to drift to the left). GM used to require at least 1000 miles first so the suspension is broken in and settled. (I try for 2500-3000 miles). The maximum mileage for a warranty alignment used to be 7500 but it's at the service manager's discretion now. I always try to speak to the tech first and tip him at least 20 bucks for 2 special requests:
1) To pull up the GM factory Wheel Alignment Specifications, document #3971340, instead of using the specs loaded into the alignment rack which are often different.
2) To take the extra time to put camber and toe right on the number I want, not just "in the green" which allows plus or minus 0.6 degree for camber and 0.2 degree for toe. New cars from the factory are in the green range but not exactly on spec. That's why some owners say their cars did not need an alignment after lowering (lowering adds a little negative camber and a little less toe in but the car may still be in the green, depending on where it was to begin with).
Track Alignment:
Extra labor is involved because the rear suspension adjustments won't allow that much negative camber. The tech must unbolt the upper control arms from the frame (held by 8 bolts) and remove the shims between the frame and control arms. This adds about 0.9 degree of negative camber before proceeding with the alignment. the
I don't expect too many owners to be able to get a track alignment at no charge.
.
GM will pay for an alignment to address a customer complaint. (I usually say the car seems to drift to the left). GM used to require at least 1000 miles first so the suspension is broken in and settled. (I try for 2500-3000 miles). The maximum mileage for a warranty alignment used to be 7500 but it's at the service manager's discretion now. I always try to speak to the tech first and tip him at least 20 bucks for 2 special requests:
1) To pull up the GM factory Wheel Alignment Specifications, document #3971340, instead of using the specs loaded into the alignment rack which are often different.
2) To take the extra time to put camber and toe right on the number I want, not just "in the green" which allows plus or minus 0.6 degree for camber and 0.2 degree for toe. New cars from the factory are in the green range but not exactly on spec. That's why some owners say their cars did not need an alignment after lowering (lowering adds a little negative camber and a little less toe in but the car may still be in the green, depending on where it was to begin with).
Track Alignment:
Extra labor is involved because the rear suspension adjustments won't allow that much negative camber. The tech must unbolt the upper control arms from the frame (held by 8 bolts) and remove the shims between the frame and control arms. This adds about 0.9 degree of negative camber before proceeding with the alignment. the
I don't expect too many owners to be able to get a track alignment at no charge.
.
Last edited by ZL-1; Apr 3, 2015 at 11:38 PM.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,226
Likes: 2
From: Lake Wylie SC
Street alignment:
GM will pay for an alignment to address a customer complaint. (I usually say the car seems to drift to the left). GM used to require at least 1000 miles first so the suspension is broken in and settled. (I try for 2500-3000 miles). The maximum mileage for a warranty alignment used to be 7500 but it's at the service manager's discretion now. I always try to speak to the tech first and tip him at least 20 bucks for 2 special requests:
1) To pull up the GM factory Wheel Alignment Specifications, document #3971340, instead of using the specs loaded into the alignment rack which are often different.
2) To take the extra time to put camber and toe right on the number I want, not just "in the green" which allows plus or minus 0.6 degree for camber and 0.2 degree for toe. New cars from the factory are in the green range but not exactly on spec. That's why some owners say their cars did not need an alignment after lowering (lowering adds a little negative camber and a little less toe in but the car may still be in the green, depending on where it was to begin with).
Track Alignment:
Extra labor is involved because the rear suspension adjustments won't allow that much negative camber. The tech must unbolt the upper control arms from the frame (held by 8 bolts) and remove the shims between the frame and control arms. This adds about 0.9 degrees of negative camber before proceeding with the alignment.
I don't expect too many owners to be able to get a track alignment at no charge.
GM will pay for an alignment to address a customer complaint. (I usually say the car seems to drift to the left). GM used to require at least 1000 miles first so the suspension is broken in and settled. (I try for 2500-3000 miles). The maximum mileage for a warranty alignment used to be 7500 but it's at the service manager's discretion now. I always try to speak to the tech first and tip him at least 20 bucks for 2 special requests:
1) To pull up the GM factory Wheel Alignment Specifications, document #3971340, instead of using the specs loaded into the alignment rack which are often different.
2) To take the extra time to put camber and toe right on the number I want, not just "in the green" which allows plus or minus 0.6 degree for camber and 0.2 degree for toe. New cars from the factory are in the green range but not exactly on spec. That's why some owners say their cars did not need an alignment after lowering (lowering adds a little negative camber and a little less toe in but the car may still be in the green, depending on where it was to begin with).
Track Alignment:
Extra labor is involved because the rear suspension adjustments won't allow that much negative camber. The tech must unbolt the upper control arms from the frame (held by 8 bolts) and remove the shims between the frame and control arms. This adds about 0.9 degrees of negative camber before proceeding with the alignment.
I don't expect too many owners to be able to get a track alignment at no charge.
I do not think so
For all the SM's and Techs out there who care about the customers car........... it is not your money getting the job done right !!!
Last edited by Shurshot; Apr 3, 2015 at 11:39 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 2,151
Likes: 62
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 4,083
Likes: 190
From: IL / FL .
You tip the shop boss/tech $20 when the shop charges at least $90 plus an hour and you think that you are getting favors for your $20?
I do not think so
For all the SM's and Techs out there who care about the customers car........... it is not your money getting the job done right !!!
I do not think so
For all the SM's and Techs out there who care about the customers car........... it is not your money getting the job done right !!!
Edit: I re-read the post and I think you're referring to getting a track alignment for an extra $20 tip. I agree that's not gonna happen, it would require a much bigger tip
Last edited by ZL-1; Apr 4, 2015 at 09:48 AM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,009
Likes: 35
From: Tysons Corner, VA
You want them to do track alignment for free? Come on.
If you were having regular alignment issues yes that should be covered - but not prepping you for the track. Some of you have insane expectations.
If you were having regular alignment issues yes that should be covered - but not prepping you for the track. Some of you have insane expectations.