after

 

^^^

 

Maybe I'm having a brainfart. We're talking about whether to install the tires before or after the alignment right? It doesn't seem like the tires would impact the alignment but from what I understand, when they do a 4 wheel alignment they're lining up the front and rear wheels to a certain degree. And since the tires are going to protrude more than the wheel lip, the nature of the tire could possibly alter the alignment. If that's the case, having the new tires on would be important.

Sorry to muddy the waters there. Just a thought.

 

It's VERY VERY minor but I can see the confusion. When they align, they attach the modules onto the rims themselves. But they also have the all 4 wheels on these free-standing platforms that allow each wheel to move independently. If the old tire was very bald versus the new tire, it could have a slight impact on the toe/caster/camber adjustment (although i don't think the 4th gen has Camber adjustment). Also there's the variable of the shop removing and replacing the rim onto the car. I try to minimize all variables before performing an alignment to ensure I get the most accurate end product


I think it's more or less negligible but that's just how I've done it

 

I'd agree with that.

And you're right, no camber adjustment unless you get a kit.