allroad alignment - what's the big secret?
10-26-2007, 10:10 AM
#1
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allroad alignment - what's the big secret?
I just tried to have our '03 allroad aligned at the local Goodyear/Gemini dealership. The front desk guy said that the mechanic said they couldn't do it for 2 reasons: some issue with the traction control, and a special tool is needed, which they don't have. I am guessing the "traction control" issue is that you need to disable the suspension before you work on the car (you have to interpret what the front desk guy says as opposed to what the mechanic has told him). Is there a special tool? If so, can we get one? The dealer wants $475 to do an alignment (Alexandria, VA). The Goodyear folks want $88.50. If the Goodyear folks can do it (if I supply the tool) and the tool costs less than $400, I will be coming out ahead after the first alignment. Thoughts?
Thanx,
Mark
markbyrum@erols.com
Thanx,
Mark
markbyrum@erols.com
10-26-2007, 10:21 AM
#3
The "special" tool is to move the lower crossmember around...
You can't change caster or camber in the front. All you can do is equalize it side to side by loosening the lower front crossmember and shifting it left and right. yes, there's a special tool for this but an appropriate pry bar will work. I have no idea what he's talking about with traction control. Perhaps he's referring to resetting the steering angle with the VAG tool, but that's really only necessary if the toe is way off.
BTW- I just paid my IL dealer $189 for a four wheel alignment 2 months ago. $475 is nuts (Heishman?) Try Curry's Automotive or one of the other good independants.
BTW- I just paid my IL dealer $189 for a four wheel alignment 2 months ago. $475 is nuts (Heishman?) Try Curry's Automotive or one of the other good independants.
10-26-2007, 10:27 AM
#4
My local shop charged me $100.00 and had to shift the subframe.
Goodyear probably confused traction control with having to put the suspension in jack mode. I'd find a different place.
10-26-2007, 10:31 AM
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Wow! I thought my dealer was taking the michael at $250.
In their favour the car no longer shimmies and they did the full top level toe angle etc.
I know I am not diplomatic but with a quote like that I would laugh in his face.
Cheers
Gregor
I know I am not diplomatic but with a quote like that I would laugh in his face.
Cheers
Gregor
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10-26-2007, 05:43 PM
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I would point out that the first step in an alignment is to check
that the body height meets specs (402) then the car is supposed to be aligned at level 2 although some report adequate results aligning at level 1. If a great enough toe adjustment is done, then recentering steering angle sensor must be done as well. Still not $400 bucks, but VAGCOM lets yyou do all this,and then anybody can do the alignment
10-26-2007, 06:05 PM
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You're not alone. Local tire guy did my S6, then said can't do allroad according
to his "book" (electronic) due to steering position sensor related to ESP. Guess what? My S6 has the same system. He even said the book would not give him the settings.
As for the tool, it ain't worth paying no $400 plus for! The only time I bought a dealer alignment, it was bad with the wheel off center to boot. Try the regional forum for your area for suggested shops, as your issues are not allroad specific.
As for the tool, it ain't worth paying no $400 plus for! The only time I bought a dealer alignment, it was bad with the wheel off center to boot. Try the regional forum for your area for suggested shops, as your issues are not allroad specific.