Alignment Shop

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Jul 25, 2004 | 07:00 PM

topfisherman

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From: Wisconsin

Alignment Shop

The other day I noticed that the Bronco's tires were beginning to wear on the inside edge and they lean out like this / \ when its parked. Plus when I let go of the steering wheel, it drifts towards the center line instead of the shoulder, so it looks like I need an alignment. So I was wondering were do you guys recommend taking the Bronco, to a small local shop or a shop thats all around the country like Midas? Because I don't want to have to go back for an alignment in a month and I want it done as good as it can (with the ttb anyway). O yea I know you guys talk about the lifetime alignment at Firestone, but we don't have a Firestone shop around here, so that is out of the picture. Thanks for the help.

Jul 25, 2004 | 07:37 PM

WhëëlMå1

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Joined: Oct 2002

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From: MA

I have always gone to a dealership, mainly because I want a Ford guy working on it, and not some teenager going by a chart. Also, I get a pretty good rate at my local dealership, because I am good friends with the service manager.

Rich

Jul 25, 2004 | 07:46 PM

MatthewC

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From: Fredericton NB, Canada

Dont take it to a Midas or anything like that. I wouldnt take it to a Ford dealership either. Why spend a fortune to have something done that could be done exactly the same elsewhere. An alignment is not rocket science. Look for a privately owned shop in town that specializes in alignments. Those guys are going to go through the exact same procedure that the Ford guys will, but charge $20 less per hour.

Jul 26, 2004 | 10:17 AM

topfisherman

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From: Wisconsin

I figured that I wouldn't take it Midas because my dad said that they are changing techs all the time, so the people there are always new. I'll have to check with the dealership and some other shops and see how much the prices differences are. We don't really have anyone in town that specializes in alignments, I'll have to look for someone that does more work on suspensions. I wanted to take it to a 4x4 shop, but the only one nearby told me they don't do alignments anymore.

Jul 26, 2004 | 11:04 AM

fcarruth

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From: Medina, Tn.

Of course I use Firestone but have you tried Sears ? They got pretty honest a few years back when the got busted for screwing people. I use them for my lifetime tie rod ends (replaced 5 times now) and then take it to Firestone for my free alignment (numerous times).

Good luck,

Jul 26, 2004 | 06:37 PM

Pam's Red

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Joined: Jul 2004

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From: Front Range of Colorado

Vent time. Often when I take a vehicle in to have something like alignment done I get an estimate that includes replacing every steering component along with balljoints and occasionally things like brakes, shocks, and springs. Send the same vehicle in with a male friend and it is an estimate for a simple alignment. I have had the "tech" screw with tire inflation to make the base numbers look off and then put the inflation correct to say he did the job, when the alignment was correct to start with. Firestone is the worst to do this, but it has happened with most of the others. Sears was good so has Ford.
I guess what I am saying is make sure you get more then one shop to give an estimate. As for the technique and tools...as long as you don't see a guy with a tape measure and a sledge hammer underneath the front end, a good well run shop can do an alignment on modern equipment.
Pam

Jul 27, 2004 | 07:00 AM

fcarruth

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From: Medina, Tn.

I agree on the Firestone thing. They are exactly like Midas. They WILL take advantage of you IF YOU LET THEM. Go in and tell them what to do and nothing else unless they can prove that it is defective. I use them because I always price their work against 3 other local shops.

Good luck,