RX - 1st Gen (1999-2003) Discussion topics related to the 1999 -2003 RX300 models

Wheel Alignments

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 07-11-08, 08:28 AM
  #1  
lexus114
Lexus Champion
Thread Starter
 
lexus114's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Bethlehem Twsp. Pennsylvania
Posts: 4,507
Received 35 Likes on 34 Posts
Default Wheel Alignments

How often are we supposed to get a wheel alignment on the RX? Once every year,or twice a year? i.e spring/fall. My last vehicle,Mercedes 300E recommended once a year.Whats your opinions?
Old 07-11-08, 09:10 AM
  #2  
bob2200
Driver
 
bob2200's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Maryland
Posts: 1,800
Likes: 0
Received 13 Likes on 9 Posts
Default

I'm not aware of any recommendation by Lexus. My own feeling is that if you always drive on smooth roads (yes, there are such places, e.g., So. Florida) you may never need a wheel alignment. If you live in places with terrible roads (e.g., the District of Columbia), even twice a year may not be enough. I've only had one wheel alignment done in the 6 years I've had my RX300. I'm thinking that any extra tire wear may be less expensive than periodic wheel alignment, and it handles fine.
Old 07-11-08, 09:19 AM
  #3  
Lexmex
Super Moderator
 
Lexmex's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Miami, Florida
Posts: 17,247
Received 164 Likes on 140 Posts
Default

I used to do it monthly in Mexico (it was cheap, like $15 USD and on a hunter machine). I haven't done one since I got back since I did one in Mexico just before I left, but I plan to do one at least closer to the end of the year.

Bob is right about Florida, flat as can be. I remember DC and they were using mattresses to fill in potholes there.
Old 07-11-08, 09:45 AM
  #4  
lexus114
Lexus Champion
Thread Starter
 
lexus114's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Bethlehem Twsp. Pennsylvania
Posts: 4,507
Received 35 Likes on 34 Posts
Default

Wow mattresses hugh? Well not a whole lot better here in Pa. I don`t know whats up with road/highway funds Of course that`s another matter.Thanx for the replies guy`s

Last edited by lexus114; 07-11-08 at 09:59 AM.
Old 07-11-08, 10:02 AM
  #5  
Arbitrage1
Driver
 
Arbitrage1's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: DC
Posts: 104
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Right after we bought our RX350 I could tell the alignment was out. When we got the first service done, I had them do the alignment as well (after arguing with the service manager who told me "they all pull to the right"). Nevertheless, its correct now and I dont expect to get the alignment done again before I turn the car in in 2011.

We've had our other car for 5 years and the alignment has never been done on it. I got 55K out of the first set of tires as well.

I would say that if the alignment aint broke, dont fix it.

P.S. Heres another reason not to get it done unnecessarily, I looked at the work order for the alignment, they charge $365 for it!! Thankfully it was covered under the warranty (for the first year).
Old 07-11-08, 11:01 AM
  #6  
Lexmex
Super Moderator
 
Lexmex's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Miami, Florida
Posts: 17,247
Received 164 Likes on 140 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by Arbitrage1
Right after we bought our RX350 I could tell the alignment was out. When we got the first service done, I had them do the alignment as well (after arguing with the service manager who told me "they all pull to the right"). Nevertheless, its correct now and I dont expect to get the alignment done again before I turn the car in in 2011.

We've had our other car for 5 years and the alignment has never been done on it. I got 55K out of the first set of tires as well.

I would say that if the alignment aint broke, dont fix it.

P.S. Heres another reason not to get it done unnecessarily, I looked at the work order for the alignment, they charge $365 for it!! Thankfully it was covered under the warranty (for the first year).
The prices are insane for this stuff. Most I ever saw even when I was in Mexico was $40 or so at Toyota. I went to a tire place near where I live now to get nitrogen and it cost about $32 USD, which is reasonable, but an alignment was $89.95!
Old 07-11-08, 11:38 AM
  #7  
lexus114
Lexus Champion
Thread Starter
 
lexus114's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Bethlehem Twsp. Pennsylvania
Posts: 4,507
Received 35 Likes on 34 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by Arbitrage1
Right after we bought our RX350 I could tell the alignment was out. When we got the first service done, I had them do the alignment as well (after arguing with the service manager who told me "they all pull to the right"). Nevertheless, its correct now and I dont expect to get the alignment done again before I turn the car in in 2011.

We've had our other car for 5 years and the alignment has never been done on it. I got 55K out of the first set of tires as well.

I would say that if the alignment aint broke, dont fix it.

P.S. Heres another reason not to get it done unnecessarily, I looked at the work order for the alignment, they charge $365 for it!! Thankfully it was covered under the warranty (for the first year).
Wow $365.00!! Is that with any ball joints or anything? btw,if it was done under warranty,thats probably why they didn`t want to do it.They claim they don`t make any money on warranty work.
Old 07-11-08, 07:52 PM
  #8  
trhs75
Lexus Test Driver
 
trhs75's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Iowa
Posts: 962
Received 27 Likes on 24 Posts
Default

I would agree "if it ain't broke, don't fix it." If the vehicle doesn't pull to one side and tire wear is even, I would leave it alone. We just had a front alignment done because it was pulling to the left; now it's fine. The dealer didn't see a problem with the rear.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
rkw77080
LS - 3rd Gen (2001-2006)
1
08-14-22 09:07 AM
1013mm
CL of Southern California
11
02-08-10 10:45 AM
STONER
GS - 2nd Gen (1998-2005)
5
05-19-06 04:41 AM
Straight6
Northeast
1
03-16-04 07:31 PM



Quick Reply: Wheel Alignments



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 08:36 PM.