SeanSBA

hey everybody, i was going to get my car aligned, but i was wondering if i can get it done at an independent shop rather than the dealer. Is there any reason that the shop cannot do an accurate alignment on the car and the dealership can?

Cappa26

If your asking whether or not a private shop can align it back to factory specs, they cant. They can align it relatively close to factory specs. I would imagine the dealership would have an easier time getting it closer to factory specs. But once your goes out of its factory alignment it can never go back, just close to it.

SeanSBA

so would it be worth it to spend the extra money to do it at the dealership, or not?

razorfish228

In my opinion, it really doesn't need to go back to the dealer. The newer alignment shops around me have some of the latest laser alignment systems which I've had done on my other vehicles and have not had a problem.

How much is the dealer charging? I pay $100.00.

pookie

alignment at non-dealership here in ohio and michigan run around $90. sometimes there is a nice coupon to use at some nondealers for $45. i think one of them is belle tire (but not all of them have the machinary to do it so ask them before you go)

r3v1ls

A good shop can probably align it as well or better than the dealership. MB dealerships haven't been giving that great of a service lately and I sometimes wonder if they even did much other then saying they aligned it. The shop i took my car too actually gives me a print out from the computer saying exactly what they did.
If you have aftermarket wheels or suspension then it's hard to go back to the factory alignment. Otherwise I don't see why it wouldn't be possible...

kyosho1

i have just upgraded to a new set of tyres/rims from 15" to 17". Do I have to do alignment?

r3v1ls

I think it should have been done when they did the upgrade... if the car isn't pulling to the left or right i think you're fine. Only thing i can think off is the camber adjustments I'm not too experienced in the whole alignment business... i'm surprised other members haven't said anything. Try searching the forum... i'm pretty sure you'll find something as there have been many topics about alignment.

mleskovar

Why do you believe this? Sometimes the cars come from the factory with bad alignment. Dealers, tire shops, and independent mechanics use the same adjustment points as the factory and most have the fancy new equipment that gives you the print out with before and after specs.

E55AMG99

If the car is new (less than 7500 miles I think) have the dealer do it for free. Some cars need alignment bolt kits that are not covered under the full warranty, only the initial 7500 miles. If you need them after that, the whole job will run you about $300 at the stealership.

Any good tire/wheel shop can align the car like the dealer. Have it done at least every time you change/rotate tires and wheels.