jkozlow3

I need your opinions on this....

How long after installing my Comptech springs should I wait before getting an alignment? I just ordered the springs today and I definitely want to get an alignment done after the springs are installed and have time to settle. However, I don't want to wait TOO LONG for fear that I'll cause excess/abnormal tire wear (I'm getting some Pilot Sport A/S 225/50/17 tires put on before I put the springs on).

So do I wait 1 week? 2 weeks? More?

Thanks.

Mr Hyde

Some say wait a week/ a month, or after x amount of miles.

On my cars I have always gotten alignments immediatley after doing major suspension work, and I have never had a problem with excessive tire wear later on. Park Ave when doing my drop recommending doing it right afterwards as did my speedshop when I dropped my previous car.

One thing for sure, after the drop, your alignment could be extremely out of spec. Forget about tire wear, what about handling, control of the car, and braking especially in rain and inclement weather.

If you are worried about tire wear you can always do an alignment now and have it checked later on. PLaces near me only charged like $25-30 for that, but on my cars I never had abnormal wear, pulling or any such problems.

jkozlow3

Thanks. Should I have the alignment done at the dealer? There are VERY FEW speedshops around here. Luckily I found 1 that'll install my springs for $130, but I'm not sure if they do alignments.

SlyTLS

I haven't had an alignment done yet and I installed the spring back in July. Everything seems to be in order so I didn't feel the need to do it. The car doesn't pull, vibrate or shake at any speed. Plus the tires are wearing evenly so far, even the tires on the aftermarket rims have an even wear. Maybe I just got lucky.

my2sense

I waited ~2 weeks. The mechanic mentioned that the car was extremely out of spec, so it was probably a good thing that I didn't procrastinate on the alignment.

$130 for install?!? That's crazy. I spent $92 (just spring install, no alignment) and most of my friends laughed at me for spending so much. But then again, I laugh at the people that go to their dealers for the install (rape).

jkozlow3

No, No. $130 for the spring install. I was figuring about $70 for the alignment at the dealer.

VolkRacing

I paid $60 for my spring install...and paid a little over $100 or so for the alignment....just decided to get the lifetime alignment agreement...can take it back whenever I want...as many times as I want...for no charge....i decided to wait about a week after I got my springs put in to let it settle a bit before getting my alignment done

jkozlow3

Was the lifetime alignment offered through a dealer or somewhere else? Thanks.

VolkRacing

I got it through Discount tire center in El Monte...they did a good job...and took care of my wheels as well...no knicks in the wheels at all....

jkozlow3

Forgive me if this is a stupid question, but why would an alignment damage your wheels? I've heard others mention it before but never knew why.