MI350_55

Has anyone tried Capitol Toyota's lifetime alignment? Seems to be fairly priced for $200 and change. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

josephdoc

I would not recommend any "lifetime alignment" package.

It is more like a scam than a slick-deal.
Lets say you purchase the lifetime alignment package, and they did a good job initially. Down the road that you need another adjustment, and if they recommend your vehicle for replacing of a tie-rod, a bearing, or any front-end component before it is "possible" for alignment, then you will not be happy. You probably ended up getting one (and only one) alignment service for $xxx, because the shop would refuse to alignment without repair.

Sheepsinks are from sheeps.

Joseph

MI350_55

You're right, but don't you need to fix the problem first before you can get a true alignment anyway? If it's recommended, then it's not necessarily required which would mean that they still have to perform the alignment.

I called them up to get more details and restrictions. They can align modified suspensions as long as they have the specs.

josephdoc

If a car has loose tie rods, minor play in bearing, or busted ball joints and bushings, there is no way to perform an alignment. Because at initial when the vheicle is on the rack, the tech cannot lock in a good poistion for adjustment. If the play is severe, front-end components will knock out any ajustment in days, and that is why a good alignment tech wants to sell the repairs first before performing a possible alignment.

On all lowered vehicles, or a car equipping aftermarket wider wheels, add-on spacers... there is simply no spec to follow.

By all means, the O/E alignment spec is good for o/e setup only. There is no spec (o/e or not) to follow when the vehicle had custom work done on front-end, rear-end, and wheels.

Joseph