I went and got the lifetime 4wheel alignment from my local firestone dealer (100.00) which I didn't think was a bad deal (I've already had three alignments since I bought the plan, so it's pretty much paid for itself).

Anyway, the last time I went in for an alignment, I was told I might need shims added or removed and that is not part of the lifetime alignment package.

This is what they gave me:




I told them not to add or remove anything and that I'd look into it before making any decisions. They say It's going to cost $45.00, so I'm looking to you guys to let me know if this is bullshit (trying to recoup the lifetime alignment deal) or what.

You ever heard of these "shims" and has anyone had them removed or added? And, is this somthing that needs to be done every time?

I just dont want these chumps lying to me if it's somthing that doesn't need to be done every alignment.


Thanks!

W

 

I have never heard of any "shims". Have you lowered your car or anything since your last alignment? The reason I ask is why would they make you add something now that you you have not had to add before? You said that you have had 3 alignments before with no problems. Why now?

 

shims...

just tell em no

 

Naaaa. Completely stock. You have a good point though.

I got the impression frome what the dude was saying that normal wear in the suspension forces the shims to become an issue.

My paperwork for "suggested additional work not authorized by customer" said to "remove shims for alignment".





Why, I don't know. If no one here has heard of this, maybe they're just feedin' me shit?





W

 

If your alignment is off that little that it's not even noticeable, especially with tire wear, then leave it. If you're noticing something, let them do it. It's only a little more than one fill-up at the gas station.

 

shims? the guy is retarted. Maybe washers in the back but never heard of shims.

 

That's some

 

Cool....

I'll bet if I ask to see them (shims), they'll say you cant see them....


Thanks ! ! !

 

you need the shimms.. if your caster is off by that much you will chew up your tires in 6 months. caster is totally different than camber which i think is what everyone is thinking. the adding washers to the rear is for camber. that rod they are adding shimms to is the "caster link" they are usually adjustable to a point but if they have to adjust it they will charge you.. but i think 45$ isnt too bad since it has to be done anyways. someone once told me that if your caster is off by .5deg.. then for every 1000 miles you drive its like dragging your tire sideways for 1 mile. get it fixed.