These days, front end alignment shops can't be bothered with setting caster and camber. What would you expect for only $60? On the older GM cars this adjustment requires changing the shim pack if it's out of spec. That involves adding or removing some sheet metal shims from the upper control arm mount. On newer Fords and many other newer models with strut suspensions, such as a Ford Taraus, the factory spot welds have to be ground out (three minutes with the rotozip) and the top of the strut tower moved a small amount.
Around here in Maryland, the scam it to take your $50 or $60 bucks and twiddle the toe-in. When the computer print out shows the camber or caster is out, they circle it and tell you that the car can not be brought to specs without a lot of expensive work.
I've been through this debacle twice now!
The first time, I showed the shop owner that the camber before and after alignment was completely unchanged. I asked him if we went out the parking lot and open the hood on my car, would I see evidence of wrench marks on the shim pack bolts showing that his mechanic had at least made an attempt to bring my vehicle into specs. He promplty tore up the invoice, said no charge and asked me to leave. That was on the GM.
Yesterday, I had the same crap from a different shop for our Ford. "We can't bring this into spec but it doesn't matter" said the shop manager. "It's so close and it won't tear up tires or effect handling". "We are saving you money becuase we would need to change expensive parts to fix this".
This was a Maryland State approved inspection station offering to return the car to the road with the right front and left rear wheels out of factory specs and the car pulling to the side. The fact is that we brought the car in because it could not be maintained within the highway lanes easily and it was eating tires up at the edges.
Again, I asked the shop manager, if we go out to the parking lot, will I find that you have released the factory spot welds and attempted to adjust the out of spec camber condition? Well, they had to find the mechanic, but he couldn't be found. Next came an offer to complete the alignment for an increase in price. This was after they had already replaced a satisfactory ball joint that was not loose but caused some squeaking. (Thank you Ford for eliminating grease fittings!)
When I offered to bring the Ford shop manual out to show what a front end alignment required for a Taraus and that this was certainly included in the listed price for "four wheel alignment", I was asked to leave. I told them I would leave when the job was completed to my satisfaction for the posted price. Customers were watching with keen interest. A refund was promptly offered. I left with my good but squeaky ball joint swapped (a twenty dollar part) and my full refund, but the car was still misaligned and twirlling around on the highway.
Maryland State Inspection Station huh? I will call the Maryland State Police next time this happens, as they oversee licensing. I don't see how a Maryland approved inspection station can release an auto that can be adjusted to spec yet fail to do so when paid for the job. Live and learn!
In talking with an ex dealer shop manager, he told me that he has the same trouble with his Ford pickup. He can't find a shop to align anything other than tow-in and his Ford truck eats tires every 10,000 miles. It's been this way since new. His rear tires are original. He gave up on alignment shops after the second $60 walletecomy, and now buys inexpensive tires. He didn't know anyone who would do the job. Sad state of affairs when a mechanic can't locate an honest shop!
I found a shop that does repairs after collisions and they are attending to my alignment now. I explained what I expect as a result and they are okay with that.
I am posting this here to that others are not sent away from alignment shops believing that their car cannot be made safe to drive and aligned to factory specification without replacing most of the front end. These shops don't even attempt a full alignment. If the camber is out of spec, they don't even try. If it is in spec, it is gravy for them. If not, they simply advise the customer it can't be done and charge the shop rate for an unsastisfactory job. I've gotten better alignments using a monkey wrench and a tape rule.
Buyer beware!
Better luck to you others out there! comments?
noone@nowhere in Maryland