When is it necessary to get an alignment?

I know that you need an alignment when:
Installing new suspension (ie. lowering springs or coilovers)
Adjusting ride height on coilovers
Getting new tires

Are there any other times an alignment would be needed?

Do you need to get an alignment after installing a rear sway bar?

 

You only need an alignment for mods if what you did changed the geometry of the suspension. Since the swaybars only reduce independance of the suspension instead of actually changing the properties/geometry of it; no, you dont need to have an alignment done after you change the swaybar.

Usually i like to have my alignment checked at least once a year. Most shops will do an alignment check for free and will only charge you if they actually do an alignment. This ensures that everything is in check. Since if i run over a pothole too fast by accident or something it could possibly throw something off. Or,... if it's pulling to one side or isn't stable on the highway while driving.

 

Exactly... there are many things that can throw an alignment off. I ALWAYS get one when ever I get new tires or if something has to be done that could change it (half shaft replacement, etc.), but most shops will tell you this.

If you are problem free and mod free (to the suspension), then no need.

 

I agree, but I found that after swapping out my Comptech bar back to stock, then stock to Progress, my toe was off in the rear. I had a camber kit already and found that just being in there, moving things around threw it off slightly. I don't know if it would affect a non-camber kitted car the same however.

 

Where do you guys get your alignments done?

At the dealership or elsewhere and why?

 

I did my alignment after getting suspension done and again after getting rear camber. Firestone Lifetime alignment sounds like a pretty good deal to me, you can go back for unlimited visits just as long as you own the car. This helps especially if you modify your car a lot. I went to the Firestone in Irvine Auto Center. Take 5 South, exit Bake, turn left from the freeway ramp, then turn right on the first stop light. Turn right again on McLaren and Firestone is on ur right side, they're pretty detailed and will show you what they're actually doing to the car along with computer specs.

-K

 

You would think. For my Integra I bought the Winston lifetime brake service package. Guess who went out of business about a year later?

 

How much is this lifetime alignment package?
And would it be valid at any Firestone shop or just the one you bought it from?

 

Man, that sucks major balls.

Anyways, I get mine done once every 10k miles.

 

man that sucks ballz Jlukja, how much did you spend on the alignment? hopefully firestone won't go outa business soon :pray:

3pedal, I spent $150 I think, and yes it's valid in any firestone shops. But so far, I've been to 3 other firestones in our area, the one in Irvine Auto Mall has the best service and knew what they're talking about.

-K

 

I got a 5yr from Merchant Tire/NTB, Firestone refused to do lowered cars

 

It was the lifetime brake service and I spent either $229 or $189, I don't remember. My dad had always bought Winston tires and I did the same when the first set on the Integra was done. I had brake issues so the 2nd time I went in I paid for the service. Never had brake issues after that and about a year later they were out of business.

 

How much did it cost you?

 

$160

 

Under $200 for lifetime alignment? That sounds like a great deal since it costs about $80 to get an alignment. Maybe I'll call up my local Direct Tire and see if they have this type of offer as well before I go in to get it aligned.

Anyone know of places in Massachusetts that offer these types of deals?

 

That was brake service. My lifetime alignment with Firestone cost me ~$250.

 

does the dealer service include wheel alignment from time to time?

 

They didn't give you shit about being lowered? I went to the one near Laguna Hills mall and they wouldn't even try getting my car on the rack.

 

If you want a wheel alignment, you have to get it as an extra service. My local dealership sometimes sends me coupons for it.