I need my wheels aligned. I was wondering is better to bring my car to shop that has computerized wheel alignment or to those non computerized?

Thanks

 

Depends on the shop, I had mine done 7 times by a guy at a shop I went to for regular tune ups and he couldn't get it right, with the computer!!!!
try a good name store like Firestone or a Goodyear store where there is a warranty if it is not done correctly. Andy

 

Yeah, go to Firestone!!!! At least I know my store has techs that can do alignments.

 

Thanks

 

The rack/equipment doesn't make nearly as much difference as the technician. I almost loathe computerized racks, since they take away all the skill from the technician. Far too many "alignment equipment operators" have no clue what adding some caster will do to handling, how ride height affects bump steer, why toe is overrated as a handling angle, etc. Many shops won't even adjust camber if it is even close to teh factory specs, since it's just too much work for them.

Instead of allowing the shop to set your alignment, take in a set of specifications that you want them to achieve. The factory specs are for a very compromising ride and handling. Instead of taking it to a tire dealership (whose greatest interest is selling tires), take it to a fram shop. That's where all the other shops go when they're stumped, and can't figure out the problems.

Camber should be 0° or less, even if you don't push the car hard through the corners. The swingarm arcs tend to turn the camber more positive on the outer wheels under cornering load on cars equipped with struts, so setting a little negative can have a beneficial effect. It will also tend to put more weight inboard.

It should be mentioned that just like the compression from cornering, sagging springs will greatly affect the camber angle on strut equipped cars, so ride height is important to consider when determining the camber you want. It may be advisable to weight the car as it would normally be during driving before adjusting any steering angles. If that means loading the fuel tank full and placing a 200 pound weight in the left front seat and a 100 or so in the right front, then try to convince your frame shop to do that. It is also very important to have true tires when aligning the steering. Worn tires can cause unpredictable loading of the suspension and make correct adjustments almost impossible.

Toe is obvious. The tighter your steering and suspension components, the closer to zero toe-in you can run. Excessive toe-in can cause outer tire wear, but should also be evident in feathering wear across the entire tread surface.

 

Well Vader, I am sorry to say you are exactly right about many techs and wheel alignments. I wish that it were different, but many guys out there are just too lazy to do the job right. We fix a lot of f-duped alignments!! They really are easy to do right, I don't understand why people don't.

My only advice to getting a quality alignment is to ask some friends if they have had good luck at any shops. Local racing or "hot rod" shops may have the proper equipment and the knowledge to do it right. May not be cheap though.