Hello everyone, I had my tires changed a little over a year ago because the inner side of the tire was worn out. When I had the tires changed I also had an alignment done. About a month ago I had a bubble forming on my front passenger side of my tire and had this replaced. Seeing that the tire was less than a year old, I opted not to replace this one. I went this afternoon to change my oil and noticed that the same problem that I had last year with the inner side of the tire was happening on the tire that I did not replace. Now obviously this is again an alignment problem, but my question is what is the likelihood that the problem would be in the same place? Also the car had 14" rims which came with the car and my cousin who had the car before me replaced with 15" Acura GS-R alloy rims. I'm also assuming that this shouldn't be a problem either. I'm just wondering looking back at the alignment paper it shows my car Make and Mode. Are the specifications shown on these sheets a range for all Integras or is there a specific one for the GS-R model which should have be used on my LS model? Thanks in advance, Nick Here are the results from the alignment done last year if it helps: Left Front Actual Before Specified Range Camber -0.7 -0.7 -1.2 .8 Caster 0.4 0.4 0.2 2.2 Toe -0.04 -0.09 -0.04 0.04 Right Front Actual Before Specified Range Camber -0.7 -0.7 -1.2 .8 Caster 0.2 0.2 0.2 2.2 Toe -0.02 -0.04 -0.04 0.04 Front Actual Before Specified Range CrossCamber 0.0 -0.0 CrossCaster 0.2 0.2 TotalToe -0.05 -0.13 -0.08 0.08 Set Back 0 1/16° Left Rear Actual Before Specified Range Camber -0.5 -0.8 -2.0 0.0 Toe 0.05 -0.04 0.02 0.08 Right Rear Actual Before Specified Range Camber -0.7 -0.8 -2.0 0.0 Toe 0.05 -0.02 0.02 0.08 Rear Actual Before Specified Range TotalToe 0.10 -0.05 0.04 0.16 Thrust Angle -0 -0
1. not all alignment shops are any good. sure, they print a fancy looking data sheet, but it's useless if the tech didn't place the sensors properly. 2. wheels often have slight bends in them. a good shop will rotate wheels so the sensors detect deviation & allow for it, but you're at the mercy of a competent tech. 3. you can't adjust the camber or castor on an integra unless you buy special adjustable wishbones. if stuff is bent, it needs to be bent back. again, need a competent shop for that. the "adjustable" stuff is just toe. toe angles are typically quoted as a range. could an unscrupulous shop adjust to one end of the range knowing that it accelerates wear? personally, i like to have mine set to close to zero at the front as it makes cornering slightly better, but it tends to wear front tires on the inside edge. bottom line, take it to a reputable shop with new equipment and keep taking it back if you're not satisfied. eventually, they'll do it right just so they stop having you waste their time.
Thanks for the info. This shop that I had the alignment done at was just an alignment shop and thinking that that's all they do (and being in business for over 30 years), they should know their stuff. Now I'm questioning of if I should even call them to have them the same situation happen again in a year. Do you or anybody else suggest that I take it to a Firestone which has a lifetime alignment warranty, or should I go and take it to an Acura dealer? Thanks, Nick
I have the Firestone lifetime alignment warranty and have gotten my money's worth, BUT - you need to be wary. 1. They wanted to sell me new front brake rotors, since my brakes were squeaking sometimes. Those same rotors were replaced less than a year prior, by OEM rotors. I replaced the front pads myself - problem solved. 2. Told me I needed new brake fluid. Just had it changed by another shop about a month earlier. 3. Wanted to change the oil - only had about 1k miles since the last oil change. Declined and I checked it later that day. Clean and clear (Mobil 1) 4. Recommended some belts be replaced. Took it to my local shop for a 2nd opinion. Ok, they needed replacement. Had them do it cheaper than Firestone (don't remember the exact costs involved). 5. Said I needed to change my transmission fluid (for automatics). I drive a 5-speed manual - no transmission fluid to replace! Few more things, but you get the idea. You're probably wondering why I was still taking my car there. I tell them no need to do their "courtesy" check. I'm not saying they are all bad, but just be careful. Also some techs will do a better alignment than others, at the same location.
Dave L wrote: no kidding! had my civic's alignment done last week. was told that i had a problem - the rear was out and it couldn't be fixed. i checked with the tech & got him to show me what the problem was. turns out, he'd never done a honda before and didn't know where the compensator arm adjusters were!!! and alignment shops want you to /pay/ for this kind of "expertise"!!!
