2 wheel or 4 wheel alignment
#1
2 wheel or 4 wheel alignment
I need an alignment on my '06 TL and the shop, when I made my appt, asked if I wanted a 2 wheel or 4 wheel alignment. They recommended 4 wheel without really a reason and of course the price goes to about $60 for the 4 wheel vs. $35 for the 2 wheel. I would think a 2 wheel will suffice being a front wheel drive car. Any thoughts on the advantages of a 4 wheel alignment or is this just a way for a shop to get more money from unknowing customers that think it is better. Thanks
#2
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You have to get a 4 wheel alignment. Thats the proper way to do it. You would be wasting your time and money on a 2 wheel. I cant' believe they gave you the option. I would take it somewhere else that acutally knows what they are doing.
#3
Terminex
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4 wheel alighnment is NOT necessary in most cases
The only time you need a 4 wheel alignment is for one of the following:
others will chime in if I missed anything.
- new suspension
- new wheels with different offset and or wheel size / weights as than can affect alignment of the rear
- 4 wheel steering
- improper wear on the rear tires (and you are SURE they have been inflated to the proper pressure)
- 4 wheel steering (fairly rare, You find it more common in serious off road rigs, but some cars and trucks have it) - not the TL
others will chime in if I missed anything.
#6
Brake dust is a badge
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Originally Posted by Cecilt
Car pulls to the left and the steering wheel is off center to the right.
#7
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Originally Posted by terminex
The only time you need a 4 wheel alignment is for one of the following:
others will chime in if I missed anything.
- new suspension
- new wheels with different offset and or wheel size / weights as than can affect alignment of the rear
- 4 wheel steering
- improper wear on the rear tires (and you are SURE they have been inflated to the proper pressure)
- 4 wheel steering (fairly rare, You find it more common in serious off road rigs, but some cars and trucks have it) - not the TL
others will chime in if I missed anything.
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#9
Previous Owner
Toe, Caster, Camber are adjusted in an alignment from what I remember.
You can look here from HeelToe and he has some information on why it's important to get a good alignment.
https://acurazine.com/forums/car-talk-5/motorcycle-vin-check-147290/
You can look here from HeelToe and he has some information on why it's important to get a good alignment.
https://acurazine.com/forums/car-talk-5/motorcycle-vin-check-147290/
#10
iWhine S/C 6MT TL
iTrader: (1)
Sorry hes not ASE certified. I am though.
Alignment usually falls under time and mileage. Your suspension takes one hell of a beating every day. If you use your vehicle daily then every 2 years you should have a 4 wheel alignment and your tires rotated every 6k to assure they will last the longest life. In some cars the rear is not adjustable and if you do have any camber its most likely something is bent. Now for our cars it is 4 wheel align able. Driving in NYC its best to have an alignment every year due to road conditions.
What is adjusted?
-Camber (Neg or Pos)
-Caster
-Toe
Best way to assure you are saving some green, check your tire pressure every 2 weeks. The factory specs are 32-35 PSI. You are pretty much safe in that range. Place your hand flat and firm on your front tires more so on the edges and move counterclockwise wise. If you feel any chop, feathering or uneven wear your due for a tire rotation and possible alignment down the road if the problem persists. I tell everyone, its your car your money take the advice and use it to your ability.
Alignment usually falls under time and mileage. Your suspension takes one hell of a beating every day. If you use your vehicle daily then every 2 years you should have a 4 wheel alignment and your tires rotated every 6k to assure they will last the longest life. In some cars the rear is not adjustable and if you do have any camber its most likely something is bent. Now for our cars it is 4 wheel align able. Driving in NYC its best to have an alignment every year due to road conditions.
What is adjusted?
-Camber (Neg or Pos)
-Caster
-Toe
Best way to assure you are saving some green, check your tire pressure every 2 weeks. The factory specs are 32-35 PSI. You are pretty much safe in that range. Place your hand flat and firm on your front tires more so on the edges and move counterclockwise wise. If you feel any chop, feathering or uneven wear your due for a tire rotation and possible alignment down the road if the problem persists. I tell everyone, its your car your money take the advice and use it to your ability.
#11
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Originally Posted by 04WDPSeDaN
Sorry hes not ASE certified. I am though.
Alignment usually falls under time and mileage. Your suspension takes one hell of a beating every day. If you use your vehicle daily then every 2 years you should have a 4 wheel alignment and your tires rotated every 6k to assure they will last the longest life. In some cars the rear is not adjustable and if you do have any camber its most likely something is bent. Now for our cars it is 4 wheel align able. Driving in NYC its best to have an alignment every year due to road conditions.
What is adjusted?
-Camber (Neg or Pos)
-Caster
-Toe
Best way to assure you are saving some green, check your tire pressure every 2 weeks. The factory specs are 32-35 PSI. You are pretty much safe in that range. Place your hand flat and firm on your front tires more so on the edges and move
counterclockwise wise. If you feel any chop, feathering or uneven wear your due for a tire rotation and possible alignment down the road if the problem persists. I tell everyone, its your car your money take the advice and use it to your ability.
Alignment usually falls under time and mileage. Your suspension takes one hell of a beating every day. If you use your vehicle daily then every 2 years you should have a 4 wheel alignment and your tires rotated every 6k to assure they will last the longest life. In some cars the rear is not adjustable and if you do have any camber its most likely something is bent. Now for our cars it is 4 wheel align able. Driving in NYC its best to have an alignment every year due to road conditions.
What is adjusted?
-Camber (Neg or Pos)
-Caster
-Toe
Best way to assure you are saving some green, check your tire pressure every 2 weeks. The factory specs are 32-35 PSI. You are pretty much safe in that range. Place your hand flat and firm on your front tires more so on the edges and move
counterclockwise wise. If you feel any chop, feathering or uneven wear your due for a tire rotation and possible alignment down the road if the problem persists. I tell everyone, its your car your money take the advice and use it to your ability.
#12
iWhine S/C 6MT TL
iTrader: (1)
Originally Posted by bhelsdon
Very well said, I couldn't agree more as an ASE master tech myself. I just get a little hot under the coller when unqualified people give bad advice.
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