boylondon007

I need to get new tires and I need to get my 4-wheel alignment done. I can not get them done at the same place. What do I do first? Alignment then new tires?

LoveMyTL-S

I would think the tires first as they must be balanced and then the alignment. But you can post this question here in TIRES/WHEELS/SUSPENSION for clarification:

https://acurazine.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=97

boylondon007

thanks! I'll see if i can get any replies there as well.

JMillerUA6

iTrader: (1)

Two threads for this? Really?

LoveMyTL-S

Well, mods can move it..........

Trew

iTrader: (1)

Doesn't matter which one you do first, as long as you do them both on the same day. The only exception would be if you have severe uneven tire wear, which can cause the wheel to lean - giving you improper alignment readings. If this is the case, replace the tires, then drive to the other shop where you can get the alignment done.

Turbonut

iTrader: (1)

It's not the tires that cause the supension to "lean" it's incorrect settings that causes the tire to wear unevenly. You can still align the vehicle although it may handle strangely while driving on uneven tread, but the suspension will be in alignment and ready for new tires.

pbcmedia

get them done on the same day or as close to each other as possible, but it doesnt really matter which one u do 1st

RC51Ryder

I would do the alignment first if I couldn't do both at the same time. Bad tires won't affect your alignment but a bad alignment will cause your new tires to wear unevenly.

jetblakTL

Change your tires, then do the alignment right after - any mechanic worth anything will tell you this. Think about it - your tires are what sit on the pressure plates on the alignment machines. If your tires are all screwed up with popped radials and uneven wear, then what good are the calculations? If your tires are OK, then it's good to do an alignment every once in a while, but if a tire replacement is coming anywhere in the near future, then do the alignment with the new tires.

SouthernBoy

You're spot on.

Turbonut

iTrader: (1)

Not much of a mechanic are you! Got to add either of you!
As the tires move very easily on the alignment turnplates, the calculations are based on the suspension geometry from wheel clamps that are affixed to the wheels. The correct alignment has nothing to do with bald, feathered, or an irregular tread. If that were the case, everybody would need to buy new tires when getting an alignment to ensure that the tread is perfect.

jetblakTL

Not gonna argue the point (too much) cuz I think it really is common-sense. But, if you go to an alignment shop and ask, most will tell you that if your tires are IN NEED OF REPLACEMENT, i.e. heavily worn, damaged radials, uneven tread, etc., they will recommend you replace the tires before you do the alignment because it DOES affect the calculations. Ever notice that one of the first things an alignment tech will do when they get your car on the machine is to check and adjust your tire pressure? Why do that if tires don't matter? The main calculations are taken by the wheel clamps but the condition of your tires does matter. Read my previous post - I never said you need new tires to get a proper alignment.

Turbonut

iTrader: (1)

Tire pressure is only for consistency side to side. They should all be at the proper manufacturer's recommendation before the alignment. You certainly can't have one at 15 lbs, and one at 40. Same as the rear. Common sense.

The reason they look at the tires and if worn considerably, cupped, feathered, camber wear etc. they normally recommend new tires before the alignment...WHY? Not because they can't do an alignment, but if the tires aren't replaced and the alignment is done, the vehicle will handle poorly as the tread to road contact surface has now changed. You might feel it in the ride or handling, but the alignment will be correct, but try expaning it to your customer. TRUST ME......... I'm done.